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This feed was created by mixing existing feeds from various sources.RSSMixStory Of A Landscape: Renovating Enclosed Courtyards Without Accesshttp://www.turfmagazine.com/landscape-designbuildinstallation/renovating-enclosed-courtyards-without-access/
http://www.turfmagazine.com/landscape-designbuildinstallation/renovating-enclosed-courtyards-without-access/feed/0<p>No access means no problem for Monello Landscape Industries for enclosed courtyards at senior living facilities. </p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/landscape-designbuildinstallation/renovating-enclosed-courtyards-without-access/">Story Of A Landscape: Renovating Enclosed Courtyards Without Access</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="1140" height="641" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7650-HDR-Pano.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7650-HDR-Pano.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7650-HDR-Pano-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7650-HDR-Pano-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7650-HDR-Pano-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7650-HDR-Pano-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></p><p>Joe Monello is not a man to rest on his laurels. The owner of Wayne, New Jersey-based <strong><a href="http://monellolandscape.com/">Monello Landscape Industries LLC</a></strong> has some pretty good commercial clients, but he’s not taking them for granted.</p>
<p>One of his best is CareOne, a company that owns more than 70 acute nursing and assisted living facilities in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia. Monello Landscape not only does maintenance for CareOne facilities, but also renovates several of its landscapes each year. Last year the company renovated 11 such facilities.</p>
<p>Monello admits that the renovation work always includes certain elements, such as an outdoor kitchen and entertainment area, a water feature, shade structures and plenty of seating. However, new for 2016 were a couple new landscape additions: a second, large water feature near each facility’s front entrance, and a sensory garden.</p>
<div id="attachment_77928" style="width: 1140px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7611-HDR.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77928" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7611-HDR.jpg" alt="" width="1140" height="641" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7611-HDR.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7611-HDR-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7611-HDR-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7611-HDR-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7611-HDR-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Monello Landscape Industries LLC</p></div>
<p>The two companies first gave them a try at CareOne at Hamilton Assisted Living in Hamilton, New Jersey, and the combination was enough to help Monello earn an honorable mention from HNA in the Combination of Hardscape Products Commercial – less than 20,000 sf category at the 2017 Hardscape North America tradeshow.</p>
<p>And, the award came despite the challenge of Monello’s crew having to crane everything in and out of the enclosed courtyard.</p>
<p>“This one was approximately 30 feet by 40 feet,” Monello says. “Some of them are smaller, and some are much bigger. However, there was no access through the building. We had to crane in excavators, bobcats, all our materials and when we took out the existing trees and concrete, we craned them back out in big Super Sack containers.”</p>
<div id="attachment_77931" style="width: 1140px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7757.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77931" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7757.jpg" alt="" width="1140" height="641" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7757.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7757-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7757-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7757-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7757-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Monello Landscape Industries LLC</p></div>
<p>The major component on these projects is pavers, and Monello says the largest part of the Hamilton project utilized a <a href="https://www.techo-bloc.com/en/"><strong>Techo-Bloc</strong></a> product called Blu 60 mm slate walkway pavers.</p>
<p>“We only use Techo-Bloc smooth surface for wheelchair users,” he says. “We use different colored smooth pavers in the seating areas to give those areas an inlay-look for contrast and contour. There’s also a border material called Villagio that we use for the edging that gives a nice finished look and defines areas.”</p>
<p>As part of the paver work, Monello always installs the CareOne logo in a different color.</p>
<p>The seat walls were built from another Techo-Bloc product: Mini-creta. Other stone products making their appearance in this project include an <a href="https://www.ephenry.com/"><strong>EP Henry</strong></a> veneer over concrete block for the outdoor kitchen and seating bar, and plenty of black granite for the kitchen countertops and bistro tables.</p>
<div id="attachment_77932" style="width: 1140px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7761.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77932" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7761.jpg" alt="" width="1140" height="641" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7761.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7761-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7761-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7761-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7761-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Monello Landscape Industries LLC</p></div>
<p>“We used a leather-finish black granite, so you have some coarseness to it; it’s not a smooth texture,” Monello explains. “It’s also a texture that’s good for outdoor use because plates and glasses don’t slide off easily.”</p>
<p>Other primary features in Monello Landscape’s projects for CareOne include at least one water feature in the courtyard, and pergolas for shade.</p>
<p>“Many of the courtyards have two,” Monello says of the water feature. “This has just one, but it’s a four-foot tall bubbling urn.”</p>
<p>As for the use of pergolas for shade, Monello says they’re an alternative to putting in large trees. Along with the pergolas, the company supplies sun-protective mesh tarps that are custom-made and snap on and off. Because Monello Landscaping is responsible for the maintenance, they’re put on in the spring and taken off again in the fall.</p>
<div id="attachment_77933" style="width: 1140px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7764.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77933" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7764.jpg" alt="Courtyard" width="1140" height="641" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7764.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7764-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7764-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7764-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7764-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Monello Landscape Industries LLC</p></div>
<p>“We do foundation plantings where we use a lot of perennials,” he says. “We like to use a lot of colorful plants. We never put in shade trees because the leaves can be problematic for maintenance, and then there are the roots and the possibility they’ll outgrow the area. We use ornamental trees that top out at 15-20 feet.”</p>
<p>He cites Crepe myrtles as a good example of the tree palette.</p>
<p>And, then, there’s the sensory garden. Monello explains that CareOne had begun outsourcing people to come in and teach residents about different plants, “and we just took it to the next level and designed these courtyards to have sensory gardens built into them.”</p>
<p>The idea behind a sensory garden is to stimulate all the senses and, in this type of facility, to be wheelchair accessible, as well. By building up the garden area using the mini-creta product the residents will be able to do their own gardens.</p>
<p>“We’re now developing a program where we’re going to be teaching the residents about the sensory garden plants,” Monello says. “We’ll help them plant them and learn about the different types of plants and why they’re in a sensory garden.”</p>
<div id="attachment_77930" style="width: 1140px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7695-HDR.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77930" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7695-HDR.jpg" alt="" width="1140" height="641" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7695-HDR.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7695-HDR-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7695-HDR-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7695-HDR-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8E6A7695-HDR-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Monello Landscape Industries LLC</p></div>
<p>Because this is an enclosed courtyard, drainage and irrigation were also important components. Monello says the job required putting in new systems, although the company was able to tap into the existing drainage system.</p>
<p>“We typically use center drains with 6-inch iron grates,” he says. “These are custom-made grates shaped like leaves.”</p>
<p>While Monello Landscape was rebuilding the interior courtyard, the company was also giving a facelift to the area around the facility’s front door. The highlight of that work: a large water feature incorporating both boulders and plantings that is Monello’s favorite part of the project.</p>
<p>“It’s the first of its kind,” he says. “Now it’s a standard with the organization. We call it ‘curb appeal’ and it’s become something of a hallmark for the organization. When you’re out driving, you know it’s a CareOne site because of the water feature. They’re a great eye-catcher.”</p>
<div id="attachment_77935" style="width: 1140px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0143.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77935" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0143.jpg" alt="Water features" width="1140" height="641" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0143.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0143-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0143-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0143-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0143-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Monello Landscape Industries LLC</p></div>
<p>The rest of the exterior work includes plantings, sodding, irrigation and lighting. Monello says his company did a lot with lighting, both in the courtyard and on the exterior, and it’s a company specialty.</p>
<p>The front of the building features a mix of up-lighting and downlighting, as well as path-lighting for pedestrians. And, the water feature is extensively lit with various kinds of lighting, including some submersed in the water itself.</p>
<p>“Inside the courtyard, we used probably another 50 lights,” Monello says. “There’s downlighting and up-lighting on the pergolas, lighting in the kitchen, and plenty of lip lighting in all the walls. We love the way it looks under the coping.”</p>
<div id="attachment_77934" style="width: 1140px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0136.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77934" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0136.jpg" alt="" width="1140" height="641" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0136.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0136-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0136-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0136-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DJI_0136-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Monello Landscape Industries LLC</p></div>
<p>Not surprisingly, the use of the crane offered the greatest challenge with the job, and the greatest learning opportunity.</p>
<p>“This wasn’t our first crane job — and, we’ve done about six this year — but we learned that every swing of the crane needs to have an element coming in, and every swing has to have an element coming back out,” he says. “We learned how to be efficient in using the crane because it’s so expensive. There’s a lot of thought that has to go into it.”</p>
<p>And, perhaps more so because Monello Landscape always has a 60-day completion schedule on its CareOne jobs — crane or no crane. To meet those deadlines, Monello says the crews on a project can vary widely.</p>
<p>Not surprisingly, he’s also very proud of this job, and not just for the award.</p>
<p>“I’m proud of the use the residents get from the courtyard,” he concludes. “They love it and use it. I love that their families have a place to go and gather, and I love the aesthetics of it all.”</p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/landscape-designbuildinstallation/renovating-enclosed-courtyards-without-access/">Story Of A Landscape: Renovating Enclosed Courtyards Without Access</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p>Landscape Design/Build/InstallationHardscape North Americalandscape lightingpaversStory of a LandscapeWater FeaturesWed, 13 Dec 2017 18:00:40 GMThttp://www.turfmagazine.com/landscape-designbuildinstallation/renovating-enclosed-courtyards-without-access/#respondhttp://www.turfmagazine.com/?p=77925K. Schipper2017-12-13T18:00:40Z2017 Product Roundup: Landscape Lightinghttp://www.turfmagazine.com/products/2017-product-roundup-landscape-lighting/
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/products/2017-product-roundup-landscape-lighting/">2017 Product Roundup: Landscape Lighting</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p>Productslandscape lightingWed, 13 Dec 2017 13:00:32 GMThttp://www.turfmagazine.com/products/2017-product-roundup-landscape-lighting/#respondhttp://www.turfmagazine.com/?p=77836Staff2017-12-13T13:00:32ZTime For An End-Of-Year Evaluationhttp://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/end-of-year-evaluation/
http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/end-of-year-evaluation/feed/0<p>At the beginning of this year, did you start off with a clean slate? The idea was to examine your business — taking a hard ...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/end-of-year-evaluation/">Time For An End-Of-Year Evaluation</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="1140" height="641" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/time-end-year-evaluation-image.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Time For An End-of-year Evaluation" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/time-end-year-evaluation-image.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/time-end-year-evaluation-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/time-end-year-evaluation-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/time-end-year-evaluation-image-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/time-end-year-evaluation-image-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></p><p class="art">At the beginning of this year, did you start off with a clean slate? The idea was to examine your business — taking a hard look at what wasn&#8217;t working — and try to address those issues and learn from them as the year progresses.</p>
<p class="art">Did you complete this task?</p>
<p class="art">If not, here&#8217;s another chance.</p>
<p class="art">According to an article on Forbes.com called &#8220;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sundaysteinkirchner/2012/12/27/4-year-end-evaluations-for-your-business/">4 Year-End Evaluations For Your Business</a>,&#8221; there are a handful of items you can examine now to start 2018 off on the right foot. Take a few minutes during this time of year, when the day-to-day work is probably lighter, to examine the following:</p>
<p class="art">What did you achieve this year? According to Forbes, while not all successes may have meant more money in the bank, they are still important. &#8220;Take the time to revisit these triumphs, and make sure to share this list with your co-workers and staff.&#8221;</p>
<p class="art">What challenges did you overcome this year that were unexpected? Perhaps an employee with a major role at your company left for another job. Or maybe you experienced a devastating theft of equipment. Whatever surprises threw you for a loop this year, take a look at how you recovered and evaluate what measures you can put in place to prevent being shocked in the future. As the Forbes article reminds us, &#8220;&#8230;no matter the impact, you now have more experience under your belt and can be better prepared for the future.&#8221;</p>
<p class="art">Can you learn from another company&#8217;s missteps? A lot of times we compare ourselves to other people&#8217;s best. We see how many contracts they have, the number of employees they have on their team or we make conclusions based on the fancy car they drive. As the popular saying goes, &#8220;Comparison is the thief of joy.&#8221; But on the flip side, learning from another company&#8217;s mistakes can be a valuable educational tool. &#8220;Examine the practices of other businesses and brainstorm ways they could improve,&#8221; the Forbes articles says. &#8220;Then apply these changes to your own business.&#8221;</p>
<p class="art">Are you putting customer service first? This may be the most crucial part of your end-of-year evaluation because how you treat your customers directly affects your bottom line. Forbes suggests identifying wins and losses in this area. Did you remedy all customer complaints in 2017? What lessons can you learn from your customer service successes and failures?</p>
<p class="art">There&#8217;s undoubtedly other areas for you to examine as the year winds down, but these questions will help you dig deeper into where your company has been in 2017 and where you want it to go in 2018. We all have room for improvement &#8211; from our relationships with clients to our training and treatment of employees. And don&#8217;t forget your own education &#8211; how are you keeping up with design trends and new materials coming on the market? Making a list of all of these improvement areas, both personal and company-wide, can give you a map to follow for the new year.</p>
<p>No question that when you do an end-of-year evaluation, revenue will play a large part in that puzzle. Here are a few questions to help you out, from Quickbooks:</p>
<ul>
<li>How did this year’s sales compare with sales in the past three to five years?</li>
<li>How did this year’s profits compare with profits in the past three to five years?</li>
<li>Did your business meet its goals?</li>
<li>Is business with repeat customers up, down or flat?</li>
<li>Is your overall equity up, down or flat?</li>
</ul>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><center><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/page.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fturfmagazine&#38;tabs&#38;width=500&#38;height=150&#38;small_header=true&#38;adapt_container_width=true&#38;hide_cover=false&#38;show_facepile=true&#38;appId" width="500" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></center></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/end-of-year-evaluation/">Time For An End-Of-Year Evaluation</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p>Business ManagementTurf Design BuildWed, 13 Dec 2017 13:00:04 GMThttp://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/end-of-year-evaluation/#respondhttps://www.turfmagazine.com/?p=77612Jennifer King2017-12-13T13:00:04ZWearable Technology A Good Fit For The Green Industry?http://www.turfmagazine.com/products/wearable-technology-in-green-industry/
http://www.turfmagazine.com/products/wearable-technology-in-green-industry/feed/0<p>Don’t look for this being rolled out in 2018 for landscape and lawn care companies — but it’s coming. I’m referring to green industry service ...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/products/wearable-technology-in-green-industry/">Wearable Technology A Good Fit For The Green Industry?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="724" height="483" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/iStock-477135432.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="man running with smart watch" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/iStock-477135432.jpg 724w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/iStock-477135432-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px" /></p><p>Don’t look for this being rolled out in 2018 for landscape and lawn care companies — but it’s coming. I’m referring to green industry service techs using wearable technology on their routes.</p>
<p>Wearable technology? In the consumer market, of course, it’s already here. Think Apple Watch, FitBit and the many other smallish electronic, micro-controlled devices that many of us use to monitor and track our activity or our health. These are the most common examples.</p>
<p>But stop and consider the possibilities of fine-tuning and employing this technology for your lawn care company, as one example. Beth Berry, vice president of business development for RealGreen Systems, has. Berry offered up some compelling thoughts on wearable technology and how it might fit into the green industry at the recent <strong><a href="https://www.ohioturfgrass.org/otfshow">Ohio Turfgrass Conference</a></strong>. Berry is a 30-year green industry veteran having worked for both ChemLawn and Scotts MiracleGro prior to joining RealGreen Systems</p>
<p>Speaking at the conference, she said that one of the most common calls customers make to lawn care companies is whether or not a technician has actually treated their lawn. Or, relatedly, if perhaps the technician skipped fertilizing a portion of their lawn, perhaps the back yard.</p>
<p>That’s understandable, Berry said, inasmuch as only about 20 percent of customers are home when a technician treats their lawns. Also, when a homeowner pulls into their driveway at day’s end, their lawn looks pretty much the same whether it’s been treated or not.</p>
<p>But consider how easy it would be to provide customers of proof of service if the technician wore a device (maybe a watch-like device?) that automatically monitored and recorded, not only their start and stop times on each property, but also the route they took and where they sprayed or applied their fertilizer and weed control.</p>
<p>But that’s not all.</p>
<p>“Think of it (wearable technology) also from a quality assurance perspective,” Berry says. For example, if you have a new technician and you want to make sure they’re treating lawns the way you trained them, you just need to review the data on their device. It will show you if they need additional instruction, even down to a single lawn.</p>
<p>The device might also measure environmental conditions at a job site and technicians’ well being, as well — things like their heart rate, body temperature and perhaps even exposure to the chemical products they’re using on a property.</p>
<p>Is wearable technology one of the next big things that service company owners can expect or even hope to see in the green industry? What do you think? If your answer is yes, what other features could it offer landscape, lawn care or tree services companies — features to benefit not only their companies but also their service techs and clients, too?</p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/products/wearable-technology-in-green-industry/">Wearable Technology A Good Fit For The Green Industry?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p>ProductsKeeping It GreenTue, 12 Dec 2017 17:00:39 GMThttp://www.turfmagazine.com/products/wearable-technology-in-green-industry/#respondhttp://www.turfmagazine.com/?p=77882Ron Hall2017-12-12T17:00:39ZAlaska Snow Symposium Highlights Leading Technologieshttp://www.turfmagazine.com/snow-ice-management/alaska-snow-symposium-highlights/
http://www.turfmagazine.com/snow-ice-management/alaska-snow-symposium-highlights/feed/0<p>Progress is often spurred by new technology. It&#8217;s easy to see in other industries. Fracking has helped the United States become more energy independent. Traffic ...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/snow-ice-management/alaska-snow-symposium-highlights/">Alaska Snow Symposium Highlights Leading Technologies</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="1140" height="641" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/alaska-snow-symposium-image.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Alaska Snow Symposium Highlights Leading Technologies" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/alaska-snow-symposium-image.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/alaska-snow-symposium-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/alaska-snow-symposium-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/alaska-snow-symposium-image-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/alaska-snow-symposium-image-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></p><p>Progress is often spurred by new technology. It&#8217;s easy to see in other industries. Fracking has helped the United States become more energy independent. Traffic deaths have fallen steadily since the introduction of airbags (until this year) and throughout the world, new equipment and technological processes have created layers of efficiency and innovation in manufacturing, fulfillment and service industries.</p>
<p class="art">On the surface, it doesn&#8217;t look like snow and ice management relies on the same layers of technology that have helped other industries innovate, but new equipment and information about best practices continue to make contractors more efficient and effective in their battle with the weather.</p>
<div id="1117_A77701_1" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a class="swipebox" href="/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1117_A77701_1_full.jpg"><img class="size-large" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1117_A77701_1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Alaska Snow Symposium helps businesses identify best practices and equipment for heightened profitability.</p></div>
<p class="art">A snow pusher/skid steer combination is more than twice as efficient as a truck/blade setup. Route tracking and crew management software saves time and redirects valuable labor resources to the job sites that need them most urgently. Sidewalk equipment can eliminate the need for hard-to-find and oftentimes unreliable shovelers. Documentation systems ensure that workers are managing a site to the customer&#8217;s expectations. A properly calibrated salt spreader can save hundreds of dollars an hour in deicing product. Even GPS sprayers are becoming more popular for liquid applications. Though adoption is low right now, there are some studies out there that say the units can pay for themselves in one season.</p>
<p class="art">In addition to equipment and software, best practices are becoming better established for contractors. These innovations give contractors guidelines for operations and some shield from frivolous lawsuits.</p>
<p><a class="swipebox" href="/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1117_A77701_2_full.jpg"><img class="size-large aligncenter" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1117_A77701_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="667" /></a></p>
<p class="art">These innovations and dozens of others add up to a robust amount of technology for a seemingly simple industry. The question is: How much are you learning about these tools that will allow you to be more profitable?</p>
<p class="art">Continuing education and tradeshows are an important part of this industry as new equipment and ideas provide avenues to be more efficient, effective and profitable snow and ice management businesses.</p>
<p><a class="swipebox" href="/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1117_A77701_3_full.jpg"><img class="size-large aligncenter" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1117_A77701_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="667" /></a></p>
<p class="art">The Alaska Snow Symposium helped to highlight many of these technologies in Anchorage in October. The fourth-annual event welcomed about 100 attendees and exhibitors to discuss new equipment, trends and solutions in an important market.</p>
<h3>Here&#8217;s a few tidbits:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Liquid deicer is being used more than you might think. Departments of Transportation, progressive commercial contractors, and others are finding reasons to use more liquid, especially as a pre-treatment. Sure, it&#8217;s easier to coat a property in a layer of salt. You&#8217;ve been doing it for years and the results are good. But you are leaving a pile of money in those parking lots. Liquid deicers are less expensive, more profitable, and just as effective as crystals under the right conditions.</li>
<li>If you haven&#8217;t bought sidewalk equipment this year, you are probably too late. The inability to find labor amid the lowest unemployment since the 1970s is driving many companies to upgrade their sidewalk equipment. It looks to be more profitable, too, depending on whether you can use that equipment for something else in the summer. Even if you can&#8217;t find a purpose-built machine, you can still consider an ATV/blade setup.</li>
<li>Diversified pricing systems are the best way to insulate your business from inevitable fluctuations. Flat-rate, per-push, per-event and hourly contracts complement each other so that profitability will be less volatile despite an unseasonably heavy or light precipitation year.</li>
</ul>
<p class="art">The Alaska Snow Symposium allowed attendees to explore these concepts to create a better business model. Profit is a culmination of personnel, training, preparation, equipment, experience, and increasingly the adoption of best practices and new technology. There is no better way to learn about new equipment and operating models than through the peer experience of an industry gathering.</p>
<p class="art"><i>Visit <a href="http://PlowSite.com">PlowSite.com</a> for more forums on equipment, business management and technical information. Join the conversation in the largest community of snow and ice business professionals.</i></p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/snow-ice-management/alaska-snow-symposium-highlights/">Alaska Snow Symposium Highlights Leading Technologies</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p>Snow & Ice ManagementPlowTrade ShowsTue, 12 Dec 2017 13:00:17 GMThttp://www.turfmagazine.com/snow-ice-management/alaska-snow-symposium-highlights/#respondhttps://www.turfmagazine.com/?p=77701David Frabotta2017-12-12T13:00:17ZShould I Hire a Business Consultant?http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/hiring-business-consultant/
http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/hiring-business-consultant/feed/0<p>Some landscape contractors will tell you their business has completely changed since they&#8217;ve hired a business consultant. Others might say it was too expensive. But ...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/hiring-business-consultant/">Should I Hire a Business Consultant?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="1140" height="641" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/should-i-hire-business-consultant-image.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Should I Hire a Business Consultant?" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/should-i-hire-business-consultant-image.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/should-i-hire-business-consultant-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/should-i-hire-business-consultant-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/should-i-hire-business-consultant-image-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/should-i-hire-business-consultant-image-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></p><p class="art">Some landscape contractors will tell you their business has completely changed since they&#8217;ve hired a business consultant. Others might say it was too expensive. But taking your business to the next level may require both research and an experienced person to lead you in the right direction. Here are some opinions from LawnSite members on what worked for them when they were using a consultant to expand their businesses.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>RedSox4Life</strong>: I&#8217;m at a point with my business that I need to make some decisions about which direction to go in. I have all the usual issues: I need to be out of the truck more, need to find and retain quality employees, need to develop systems to keep everything running smoothly, etc. My problem is I&#8217;m not a businessman; I&#8217;m a landscaper. And I don&#8217;t really have anyone to talk to and bounce ideas off of. In short, I don&#8217;t know where to go from here. I&#8217;m wondering if anyone&#8217;s been in my shoes and looked outside for help? Would some sort of consultant or business coach be a help to me? How did they help you? What were the good questions you did, or would, ask?</p>
<p class="art"><strong>La Chandler: </strong>An excellent and needed question. Especially in the strategy and financial area. Talk to all your friends, contacts, customers, etc. Can anyone put you in contact with a successful businessman or retired businessman who could coach you?</p>
<p class="art"><strong>grass man 11: </strong>Professional business groups and consultants are completely worth it. Don&#8217;t be afraid to spend some money along your way in search of the right person or group. Ultimately, you have to decide what you want to do with your business, but they can be a huge help.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>Efficiency:</strong> Consultants will be most valuable when you have specific goals for them to achieve. Break it down: What are some of the specifics you are struggling with? Maybe some of us can help and others gain through this.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>GRANTSKI: </strong>Follow Dirt Monkey on YouTube. Watch all his videos and you can learn a lot!</p>
<p class="art"><strong>Green Insurance Guy: </strong>You might contact Steven Cohen with GreenMark Consulting. He specializes in the landscaping industry.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>TPendagast: </strong>What part of the country are you in? Massachusetts, I assume because Red Sox? But, it depends on who&#8217;s in your neck of the woods and what help you need specifically.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>serviceautopilot: </strong>Mike Callahan is in New York. He&#8217;s had some great results recently.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>lawnpropm: </strong>Do you have a SBA (small business association) near you? It could be a tool to get you going in the right direction.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>marcusmac99: </strong>Your question is fair and important for many of us. I tried the SBA and the people there are very enthusiastic to help. Finding a counselor/consultant will be of great help. However, it needs to be someone with experience in this particular service industry. Plus, it would help a lot if you found a resource in your area of the country. What would work in Massachusetts would likely not work as effectively here in Florida. The input above gave you some names and contact information. Try them and look locally, too.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>brycez28: </strong>Dirt Monkey on YouTube also has a program that you can subscribe to and will allow you to ask him and some of his contacts specific questions. I get the impression that you also get a forum-type experience with other members of his group. I haven&#8217;t done this (yet), so I don&#8217;t know all the details.</p>
<p><strong>snomaha</strong>: Years ago, I made the decision to hire an outside facilitator to run our annual and quarterly strategy meetings. The person we chose had no green industry background, but had corporate experience in operations and financials. He now also facilitates our weekly manager meeting where we review division dashboards and discuss any employee or customer headlines. Having him facilitate and run these meetings has allowed me to be an active participant in shaping the strategy, rather then running the meetings. He is able to take my vision and help form smart goals that division managers are held accountable to. We spend $15-20k with him a year and it’s money well spent.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>Marine03112: </strong>If you can hire a salesman to give initial estimates and once you find out a lead is very interested, you can seal the deal. You have to formulate a plan that plays to your strengths. Only you know what that is. Then implement a plan that can work for you to be able to tolerate the work you do to be profitable. I sometimes have to put on my &#8220;actors face,&#8221; as I call it. Getting into character. Exuding confidence and enthusiasm to a potential sale or current client. Takes practice and discipline. It can be done. You need to really think on what will work for you. Then march forward.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>marcusmac99: </strong>Another option is to look at local colleges to find a professor who may be willing to consult with you. There will be marketing, operations, sales and/or finance professors you could talk to first before deciding on who to hire. I will offer this advice: If your goals for what you are looking to do are vague, then expect most advice to be just as vague. If you can be more specific, with objective-based goals, such as, &#8220;I want to increase revenue by 12 percent next year and improve my profit margin by 3 percent,&#8221; then you will get more specific directions from an experienced advisor. You cannot manage it if you cannot measure it with accurate numbers.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>grassmasterswilson:</strong> I think the biggest hurdle is on the employee side. Finding/training is my biggest issue. I need to spend more time training to ensure jobs are done correct. Employees are the main reason I consider getting out of business.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>landscape2014:</strong> I have used all of the things you are talking about. I have hired consultants, business coaches, etc. I am not a huge fan of expensive consultants. I hired Vander Koi when he was alive and it was just OK. The good consultants are going to charge $15-30k and that is a lot of money to spend. I think some are probably worth it, if you are really committed to following through. I will probably use one in the future when I commit mentally to building my company to $5 million-plus. I go to conferences with my staff two to three times a year. &#8220;Grow!&#8221; by Marty Grunder is a really good value for the money. NALP has several conferences that are really good. The Service Autopilot conference in November is awesome. I have made friends at these events, and I touch base with on a monthly or even daily basis. I am also a member of a Jeffrey Scott&#8217;s peer group that holds each other accountable, teaches you how to run a business and is a great support team. This has been one of the best things I have ever done. My numbers show it. We have been able to grow above $2 million in revenue maintaining a 20 percent plus net while paying myself a six-figure salary. I also feel like my overall life is going in a better trajectory. I also use a life coach that I call once per week to make sure I am implementing my goals, making sure I am strong mentally, and talking through issues, booking assignments, strategy development, talking through problems and maintaining the life balance I want. You are reaching out for help which is great. Start trying some of the things I mentioned and you will get the right cocktail for what you need.</p>
<p class="art"><strong>lawntennis: </strong>SCORE gives free advice to all types of business. I have not used them but my father-in-law is very involved. I think it stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives.</p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/hiring-business-consultant/">Should I Hire a Business Consultant?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p>Business ManagementTue, 12 Dec 2017 13:00:07 GMThttp://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/hiring-business-consultant/#respondhttps://www.turfmagazine.com/?p=77227LawnSite2017-12-12T13:00:07Z5 Perennial Plants With Winter Interesthttp://www.turfmagazine.com/nurseryplant-materials/perennial-plants-winter-interest/
http://www.turfmagazine.com/nurseryplant-materials/perennial-plants-winter-interest/feed/0<p>There are numerous shrubs and perennials that shine in the colder months. They take less time to establish, of course, and so their addition to ...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/nurseryplant-materials/perennial-plants-winter-interest/">5 Perennial Plants With Winter Interest</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="770" height="500" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Helleborus species" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species.jpg 770w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species-768x499.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species-85x55.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p><p class="selectionShareable">There are numerous shrubs and perennials that shine in the colder months. They take less time to establish, of course, and so their addition to the landscape provides near-immediate payback of year-round attraction. Here are a few examples of perennial winter plants. What’s your go-to selection for a splash of winter fun?</p>
<div id="attachment_77887" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Athyrium-species.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77887" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Athyrium-species.jpg" alt="Athyrium species" width="300" height="450" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Athyrium-species.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Athyrium-species-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Athyrium-species-57x85.jpg 57w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Athyrium species<br />Photo courtesy of TERRA NOVA® Nurseries, Inc.</p></div>
<h3 class="selectionShareable"><strong>1. <em>Athyrium</em> species</strong></h3>
<p class="selectionShareable">Evergreen ferns lend both color and texture to the cold months, and the selection <em>Athyrium niponicum var. pictum</em> (Japanese painted fern) is an outstanding choice for winter gardens. It’s best suited to sheltered locations, where light shade brings out optimal frond color in spring and summer. Typically reaching up to about 18 inches tall, the graygreen fronds are brushed with silver and accented by maroon to purple midribs. The cultivar ‘Burgundy Lace’ shows a rich, near-metallic burgundy tone that’s at its most brilliant in spring, but stands out all year long.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">Hardy in zones 3(4) to 8(9).</p>
<div id="A7185_2" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<div id="attachment_77888" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Bergenia.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77888" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Bergenia.jpg" alt="Bergenia" width="500" height="464" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Bergenia.jpg 500w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Bergenia-300x278.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Bergenia-85x79.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Bergenia<br />Photo courtesy of TERRA NOVA® Nurseries, Inc.</p></div>
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<h3 class="selectionShareable"><strong>2. <em>Bergenia</em></strong></h3>
<p class="selectionShareable">Known as “pig squeak” for the high-pitched sound leaves make when they’re rubbed between the thumb and forefinger (how rude!), <em>Bergenia</em> features thick, leathery leaves that are strong enough to withstand snow and cold. Throughout the growing season, foliage is a shiny, medium-green sometimes highlighted by a deeper red to purple margin. Often used as a groundcover, <em>Bergenia</em> reaches 12 to 18 inches tall with a similar spread.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">The foliage of the petite cultivar ‘Flirt’ turns nearly black in winter, making it a real standout.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">Hardy in zones 3 to 8.</p>
<div id="A7185_3" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<div id="attachment_77889" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cornus-canadensis.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77889" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cornus-canadensis.jpg" alt="Cornus canadensis" width="500" height="460" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cornus-canadensis.jpg 500w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cornus-canadensis-300x276.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cornus-canadensis-85x78.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cornus canadensis<br />Photo: iStock</p></div>
</div>
<h3 class="selectionShareable"><strong>3. <em>Cornus canadensis</em></strong></h3>
<p class="selectionShareable">It’s considered deciduous, but bunchberry may not lose all of its foliage in winter; if there’s not much snow on the ground, <em>Cornus canadensis</em> can be seen to offer burgundy to purple leaves amid patches of rime and ice. It’s native to cool climates, specifically in coniferous and mixed forests throughout the northern U.S. and Canada, and performs best in cold conditions in the shade of trees and shrubs. Brilliant, shiny red fruit — bunches of berries — persist into winter. Typical mature height is only about 9 inches and it spreads by woody rhizomes, making it a suitable and hardy groundcover in northern gardens.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">Hardy in zones 2 to 6.</p>
<div id="attachment_77890" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Erica-carnea.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-77890" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Erica-carnea.jpg" alt="Erica carnea" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Erica-carnea.jpg 500w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Erica-carnea-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Erica-carnea-85x56.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Erica carnea<br />Photo: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Chris Starbuck</p></div>
<div id="A7185_4" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<h3 class="selectionShareable"><strong>4. <em>Erica carnea</em></strong></h3>
</div>
<p class="selectionShareable"><em>Erica carnea</em>, the aptly named winter heath or snow heath, forms a dense groundcover supporting needle-like, medium-green leaves. Bloom time is from January to March, during which 6- to 12-inchtall spikes bear tubular flowers ranging from light purple to pink; plants may bloom beneath snow in the more northern locations of their growing range. The cultivar ‘Springwood Pink’ reaches only to about 9 inches tall and can produce light pink flowers that deepen with age, but are persistent from December through May.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">Hardy in zones 5 to 7.</p>
<div id="attachment_77891" style="width: 582px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-77891" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species.jpg" alt="Helleborus species" width="582" height="378" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species.jpg 770w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species-768x499.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Helleborus-species-85x55.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Helleborus species<br />Photo courtesy of TERRA NOVA® Nurseries, Inc.</p></div>
<h3 class="selectionShareable"><strong>5. <em>Helleborus</em> species</strong></h3>
<p class="selectionShareable">Like some people we know, some plants perform best in winter. <em>Helleborus</em> is one such selection, known for its hardy growth and compelling flowers that bloom throughout the coldest months. Both <em>Helleborus orientalis</em> (Lenten rose) and <em>H. niger</em> (Christmas rose) are happiest in part to full shade; Lenten rose grows up to 18 inches tall while Christmas rose reaches about 12 inches. Large, cupshaped flowers resembling roses nod from the stems, but a few have been bred to deliver blooms that face upright. Flower color is widely variable, ranging from white through pink to the darkest blue-black.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">The deep-hued double hellebore pictured here is Terra Nova’s ‘Onyx Odyssey’, part of the company’s Winter Jewels™ collection.</p>
<p class="selectionShareable">Hardy in zones 3 to 9.</p>
<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s note:</strong> This article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.amerinursery.com/plants/plants-winter-interest-guide/">American Nurseryman Magazine</a>.</em></p>
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http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/better-business-accounting/feed/0<p>Make sure you have money on your mind.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/better-business-accounting/">4 Steps To Better Business Accounting</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="1140" height="641" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/money-on-mind-image.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Money On Your Mind" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/money-on-mind-image.jpg 1140w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/money-on-mind-image-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/money-on-mind-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/money-on-mind-image-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/money-on-mind-image-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px" /></p><p class="art">While you can always hire a financial professional to deal with this sector of your business, it is in your best interest to at least understand the basics of accounting and figure out how to get your financials started. Dan Gordon, a certified public accountant for <strong><a href="https://turfbooks.com/">TurfBooks</a></strong>, specializing in accounting for the landscape industry, broke down the four main steps to take control of your accounting.</p>
<h3>STEP #1: Choose your accounting method.</h3>
<p class="art">Unfortunately, managing your financials is not as simple as picking up a ledger and tracking your expenses. Luckily, however, if you take the time to research the two main methods of accounting (the cash method of accounting and the accrual method of accounting), you should be able to choose the right one for you and your business.</p>
<p class="art">As Gordon explains, with the cash method &#8220;the books are kept on the flow of cash in and cash out of business.&#8221; Since it is a straightforward method to accounting, it is a favorite of small businesses.</p>
<p class="art">&#8220;From a tax standpoint, it&#8217;s sometimes advantageous for a business to use the cash method of accounting,&#8221; Gordon adds.</p>
<p class="art">On the other hand, if you are a larger business, the accrual method may be easier because, as Gordon says, &#8220;revenue is recognized when it is earned rather than when cash is received.&#8221;</p>
<p class="art">With the inventory that the accrual method allows you to maintain, it will give you a bigger-picture look at your finances. It&#8217;s the best choice for those looking to get real insights on their businesses from their finances. But if you are a small business and just getting started, this method may be a little too daunting for you and not entirely necessary.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium alignright" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1017_A77244_1.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="352" /></p>
<h3>STEP #2: Understand balance sheets.</h3>
<p class="art">Once you have chosen the best accounting method for you, you can get more into the details of your financial statements. But these next steps do tend to get a little trickier than just understanding the differences between the cash method and the accrual method.</p>
<p class="art">According to Gordon, understanding balance sheets is &#8220;the area of business that most business owners don&#8217;t get.&#8221;</p>
<p class="art">A balance sheet is basically a view of your financial standing at a certain point in time. It shows what you own and what you owe, which gives you and investors and the bank an understanding of what your business is actually worth. While that is a simplified way to understand what can often be a confusing topic, Gordon discusses an easy way to see if you are managing your balance sheets properly.</p>
<p class="art">&#8220;If you are running your balance sheet properly, you probably don&#8217;t keep much in the bank,&#8221; Gordon explains.</p>
<h3>STEP #3: Use profit and loss statements.</h3>
<p class="art">Don&#8217;t confuse your balance sheets with your profit and loss (P&#38;L) statements. While they are two completely different statements, it is equally as important to understand and use P&#38;L statements as it is to use balance sheets.</p>
<p class="art">Gordon simplifies the difference by explaining that &#8220;a P&#38;L is what you make, and a balance sheet is what you have.&#8221; Basically, the balance sheet looks at a set point in time whereas a P&#38;L examines a set period of time. These may seem like hard things to maintain and differentiate, but even if someone else is handling them for you, you should have a pulse on these two things as they are two of the main financial statements that you will come across.</p>
<p class="art">And whether or not you have hired a financial professional, as a business owner you need to see how your company is performing. If it&#8217;s good, you can keep doing what you are doing and more of it. If it could be better, you know what changes to implement.</p>
<p class="art">That&#8217;s where the P&#38;L comes in handy. Because, as Gordon says about P&#38;Ls, &#8220;at the end of the day, this is the way you determine whether or not you are winning.&#8221;</p>
<h3>STEP #4: Start budgeting.</h3>
<p class="art">Last but not least, according to Gordon, is one of the most important and most easily understood concepts: budgeting. Using a document to project future income and expenses is one of the best ways to successfully handle your finances.</p>
<p class="art">&#8220;Business budgets may be one of the most important accounting tools a company uses in their business,&#8221; Gordon says.</p>
<p class="art">Using a budgeting tool will not only limit expenditures, it also provides you a financial roadmap for your operations. Knowing how your business is operating is important, but properly budgeting is even more important.</p>
<p class="art">&#8220;Many companies review previous years&#8217; budgets to determine how well they followed the guidelines and why budget variances occurred,&#8221; Gordon explains.</p>
<p class="art">Running your own landscape business is an exciting and daunting endeavor. If you have experience in the industry, it can be easy to understand what potential employees and customers would expect of you. But to successfully go from landscape employee to landscape business owner, take the time to learn about accounting.</p>
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https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/100-interior-design-architecture-blogs/feed/0<p>So you’ve bought a new house. Or maybe you’re considering one? Or maybe you’re just someone with a penchant for design, architecture, style, and furniture &#8211; or maybe not, maybe you’re completely clueless about the whole thing and need an introduction. Either way, we’ve crawled the internet and found 100 interior design and architecture blogs...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/100-interior-design-architecture-blogs/">100 Interior Design and Architecture Blogs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><p>So you’ve bought a new house. Or maybe you’re considering one? Or maybe you’re just someone with a penchant for design, architecture, style, and furniture &#8211; or maybe not, maybe you’re completely clueless about the whole thing and need an introduction. Either way, we’ve crawled the internet and found 100 interior design and architecture blogs that you should be following, whether you’re in the industry or just curious.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/100-interior-design-architecture-blogs/">100 Interior Design and Architecture Blogs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>UncategorizedSun, 10 Dec 2017 14:34:36 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/100-interior-design-architecture-blogs/#respondhttp://www.kitome.com.au/?p=2047admin2017-12-10T14:34:36ZLike A Boss: Letting Go To Growhttp://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/letting-go-to-grow/
http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/letting-go-to-grow/feed/0<p>A business owner finds out how important it is to trust his people — and delegate — as he grew.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/letting-go-to-grow/">Like A Boss: Letting Go To Grow</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="1255" height="836" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/iStock-828581558.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Delegation" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/iStock-828581558.jpg 1255w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/iStock-828581558-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/iStock-828581558-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/iStock-828581558-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/iStock-828581558-85x57.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1255px) 100vw, 1255px" /></p><p>Mark Borst, owner of <strong><a href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a></strong> in Allendale, New Jersey says that in his early years in business it was always a struggle to work on the business — rather than <em>in </em>the business — as the popular adage goes. Today, Borst does some occasional consulting work and says he sees other landscape business owners struggle with the same thing. He says the challenge is to empower your people to do the work and then to trust them that they’ll get it done. But it requires letting go, which isn’t easy to do.</p>
<p>“As the owner, I think you often feel the need to be very involved in the jobs and you feel like you still need to be on site,” Borst says. “Years ago, I would have this feeling as though I was being replaced when I would allow others to do the work without my input. It also felt like a responsibility to be there.”</p>
<p>But ultimately, Borst realized that in order to grow the business, he had to be in the mindset of growing his people. In other words, he had to allow them to be challenged and to excel — without him looking over their shoulder. Of course, that’s easier said than done.</p>
<p>One thing that Borst did, many years back, to start evaluating how he spent his time, was to write down everything he did in a day. He was surprised by just how many tasks he handled that could have been delegated. These included things like listening to the answering machine messages and writing them all down, opening the mail, or doing bank deposits. These were all little tasks, but Borst says they added up.</p>
<p>“It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stuff only to have the day end and wonder <em>What did I actually do today?</em>” Borst says. “Look at your daily functions and figure out what you can delegate to someone else.”</p>
<p>Borst says another good starting point in starting to work on the business more than in it, is to find that one key person in your company that can become your righthand leader.</p>
<p>“Treat that person extremely well,” he adds. “When I grew my company, I had a key person become my righthand man and it was essential to our growth. I would sell and he would do estimates and run production. You must ultimately realize, as a business owner, that you can’t do it all.”</p>
<p><em>Our <strong><a href="https://www.turfmagazine.com/tag/conquer-business-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Like a Boss</a></strong> series highlights some common business challenges landscape professionals face and how they conquer them. </em><em><a href="http://www.lawnsite.com/categories/business-management.60/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discuss your biggest business challenges on LawnSite’s Business Management forum</a>.</em></p>
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http://www.turfmagazine.com/industry-news/landscape-industry-news-december-7-2017/feed/0<p>Want to keep up with the latest news in lawn care and landscaping? Check back every Thursday for a quick recap of recent happenings in ...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/industry-news/landscape-industry-news-december-7-2017/">Texas Governor Joins Kubota for Hurricane Relief Donation: This Week&#8217;s Industry News</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p><p><img width="800" height="533" src="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kubota-Texas-hurricane-harvey.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kubota-Texas-hurricane-harvey.jpg 800w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kubota-Texas-hurricane-harvey-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kubota-Texas-hurricane-harvey-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.turfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kubota-Texas-hurricane-harvey-85x57.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p><p><em>Want to keep up with the latest news in lawn care and landscaping? Check back every Thursday for a quick recap of recent happenings in the green industry.</em></p>
<p><strong><b>Texas Governor Joins Kubota for Hurricane Relief Donation<br />
</b></strong>Governor Greg Abbott recently joined officials from Kubota Tractor Corporation, Commissioner John Sharp and local elected leaders in Fulton, Texas, to announce a $1 million dollar <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-joins-kubota-to-announce-hurricane-relief-donation">donation of funds and equipment from Kubota to the Hurricane Harvey relief effort</a>. This donation will help provide the people of Aransas County and surrounding areas with the equipment and tools they need to help clear debris and expand efforts to rebuild businesses, homes, and entire communities that were devastated by Harvey.</p>
<p><strong><b>Ariens Partners with Green Bay Packers to Sponsor Ariens Hill at Titletown<br />
</b></strong>Ariens, headquartered in Brillion, Wisconsin, entered into a <a href="https://www.ariensco.com/company/news?post=2017/12/05/ariens-partners-with-packers-to-sponsor-ariens-hill-at-titletown">partnership with the Green Bay Packers to sponsor the new hill in Titletown</a>, adjacent to Lambeau Field. Ariens Hill will be a tubing hill in the colder months and, in the warmer months, the hill’s sloped green space will provide a unique area for visitors and community members to relax and enjoy park activities and programs.</p>
<p><strong><b>Jeffrey Scott Announces CEO/COO Partnerships Workshop<br />
</b></strong><a href="https://jeffreyscott.biz">Industry consultant Jeffrey Scott is hosting a special Chicago workshop January 10</a>. The workshop, entitled “Effective CEO/COO Partnership: The Power of Collaborative Leadership, will feature five guest speakers who run $5 to $50-plus million companies, including: Frank Mariani and his COO, Paul Fraynd and his GM, Chris Imlach. “Bring your ‘number twos’ to this event, and together you will learn what each needs from the other in order to foster massive business growth.</p>
<p><strong><b>Vectorworks Cloud Services Earns Prestigious Award<br />
</b></strong>Vectorworks Cloud Services was recently named winner of the <a href="http://www.vectorworks.net/news/press-releases/vectorworks-inc-named-a-winner-at-the-construction-computing-awards">Cloud Based Technology of the Year 2017 award for the Construction Computing Awards.</a> Vectorworks Architect software, which helps connect the entire design process from concept to construction in one platform, was also named runner up for the Architectural Design Software of 2017 award. Improved Cloud Services were released in Vectorworks 2018 software this past September. It allows designers to easily share designs, drawings, and 3D models with clients and partners by using Google Drive, in addition to Dropbox. Designers can now render a 360-degree view of a 3D model with the panorama feature, and then export the file to cloud storage, receiving a link to view the rendered panorama on a laptop, desktop, or any mobile device.</p>
<p><strong><b>Scag and FUSO Announce New Presidents<br />
</b></strong>John L. Crowson is retiring as president of Scag Power Equipment effective January 1, 2018. Crowson joined Scag in 1992 and has served as its president since 2008. Chris Frame, a 20-year veteran of the company, and most recently as vice president and general manager will succeed Crowson as president. Scag Power Equipment is a division of Metalcraft, one of the largest independent manufacturers of commercial lawn mowing equipment in the United States.</p>
<p>Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (FUSO) promoted Justin Palmer to the position of president and CEO, effective November 30, 2017. He replaces Jecka Glasman, who is leaving FUSO to return to Israel, her home country, for family reasons. Palmer has spent the last two years at FUSO as its business operations director. Palmer joined FUSO in 2015.</p>
<p><strong><b>NALP IGI Survey Sheds Light on Why Americans Hire Landscape Pros<br />
</b></strong>Forty percent of Americans with a lawn or landscape hired a professional in the last year, according to an online survey commissioned by the National Association of Landscape Professional’s Industry Growth Initiative and conducted by Harris Poll earlier this fall. NALP’s <a href="https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/foundation/foundation/industry-growth-initiatve.aspx">Industry Growth Initiative</a> commissioned the survey as a benchmark to track consumers’ purchasing habits when it comes to lawn and landscape services. The top services used among Americans who have hired a lawn/landscaping professional in the past 12 months include tree care (51 percent), mowing (50 percent), lawn pest control (46 percent), and weed prevention and control (42 percent).</p>
<p>For those who have hired professional help, 52 percent did so to help their lawn/landscape look better, while 41 percent wanted to save time and 30 percent wanted to enjoy their yard more. Sixty-two percent of those who didn’t hire a lawn/landscape professional in the past 12 months say the costs is too high, while nearly half (49 percent) say they enjoy caring for their lawn themselves and 43 percent believe their yard is fine as is, according to the survey.</p>
<p><b>Introducing Yellowmark, a Caterpillar Brand<br />
</b>Caterpillar announces plans to introduce a new tier of repair and replacement parts to support the small- and medium-sized equipment under its Construction Industries umbrella. <a href="https://www.cat.com/en_US/news/machine-press-releases/caterpillar-grows-service-and-repair-choices-including-the-launch-of-yellowmark-parts.html">Yellowmark parts will offer an alternative for customers</a> looking for reliable, value-priced parts, available from their local Cat dealer. Yellowmark parts will encompass and expand on Cat Classic Parts line. As part of the new Yellowmark brand, new offerings will be added over time to the Classic line to ensure a full range of parts for BCP and GCI equipment. These new parts offerings will be introduced throughout 2018 and will initially include repair and replacement parts. Future new parts introductions will also include maintenance and wear parts.</p>
<p><strong>NALP Announces 2018 Regional Education<br />
</strong>The National Association of Landscape Professionals announced its <a title="2018 Regional Education Lineup" href="http://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/nalp/nalp/media/2017-press-releases/2018-regional-education-line-up.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 Regional Education</a> line-up, including new courses designed with input from NALP’s Education Advisory Council, to help companies with staff development in key positions. The education courses are approved for Landscape Industry Certified recertification at 1 CEU per hour of instruction attended.</p>
<p><strong>National Geographic explorer and Titanic discoverer to keynote GIE+EXPO 2018<br />
</strong>Bob Ballard, an oceanographer and former U.S. Navy officer, used the search for the Titanic to secretly hunt for sunken nuclear submarines in the Atlantic Ocean (and then found both) during the Cold War. Since that discovery, he has gone on to lead more than 150 deep sea expeditions and develop the technology that has made them possible. He will share his stories of exploration, environmental discovery and leadership during a keynote address at the 2018 GIE+EXPO.</p>
<p><strong>Husqvarna Group breaks ground on new warehouse facility in Nashville, Arkansas</strong><br />
Husqvarna Group, a global manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, is <a href="http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/texarkana/story/2017/nov/09/husqvarna-breaks-ground-nashville/699189/">expanding its operations in Nashville, Arkansas</a>, with the construction of a new 350,300-square-foot distribution center and materials warehouse facility. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility was held November 8, and the new facility is projected to be fully operational by the end of 2018. The facility will serve primarily as warehouse, staging, and storage, and will be located adjacent to the current manufacturing facilities in Nashville, where chain saws, trimmers, blowers, pole saws, and hedge trimmers are made for the Husqvarna, Poulan Pro, Jonsered, McCulloch, and Weed Eater brands.</p>
<p><strong>NHLA Announces &#8220;Green Collared&#8221; Campaign</strong><br />
The green industry includes a wide range of blue and white collared jobs, but what unites us as a profession is a passion for the outdoors and an ability to transform sites into more beautiful, highly functional, and healthier environments for our customers and the communities we serve. Regardless of our specific functions or job titles, we are all green collared and now the NHLA is providing a way to proclaim pride in being Green Collared; a bumper sticker that you can purchase and display. <a href="http://www.masverde.us/proud.php">The NHLA launched a campaign to encourage landscape professionals to proclaim their pride in being “Green Collared.”</a> All proceeds will go toward scholarships for students who plan to become a landscape professional.</p>
<p><strong><a>Polaris to Celebrate One-Million RANGER Vehicles</a></strong><br />
This fall, <a href="https://www.mfrtech.com/article/polaris-to-celebrate-one-million-ranger-vehicles">Polaris rolled its one-millionth RANGER utility side-by-side vehicle</a> off the assembly line in its Huntsville, Alabama manufacturing facility. To commemorate this significant milestone, Polaris is kicking-off the search for “RANGER Country USA” with country music star Jake Owen. The national campaign is designed to celebrate the communities that have helped it reach one-million vehicles built over nearly two decades and become the best-selling utility side-by-side for nine years running.</p>
<p><strong>Propane Council Donates $5,000 to Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade County</strong><br />
The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, &#38; Open Spaces Department became the <a href="https://www.propane.com/PressReleases.aspx?id=13196&#38;pressreleaseId=17179869864">first recipient today of the Green Leadership City Award</a>, given by the Propane Education &#38; Research Council, a Washington D.C.-based national nonprofit organization. As part of the award designation, PERC donated $5,000 to the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade. The donation was announced at a celebration event held at Southridge Park.</p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com/industry-news/landscape-industry-news-december-7-2017/">Texas Governor Joins Kubota for Hurricane Relief Donation: This Week&#8217;s Industry News</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.turfmagazine.com">Turf</a>.</p>Industry NewsThu, 07 Dec 2017 17:00:02 GMThttp://www.turfmagazine.com/industry-news/landscape-industry-news-december-7-2017/#respondhttp://www.turfmagazine.com/?p=77878Staff2017-12-07T17:00:02ZA Comprehensive Bushfire Safety Resource for Your Kit Homehttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/comprehensive-bushfire-safety-resource-kit-home/
<p>With very dry weather conditions this year, there’s a high chance of a bushfire occurring in rural areas. Are you ready for a bushfire? You may be preparing to have fun this coming summer, but it’s also important to prepare yourself, your family, and your property for a bushfire. This includes creating a bushfire survival...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/comprehensive-bushfire-safety-resource-kit-home/">A Comprehensive Bushfire Safety Resource for Your Kit Home</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3230" src="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-Bushfire-Safety-Resource.jpg" alt="kitome - Bushfire Safety Resource" width="1200" height="797" srcset="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-Bushfire-Safety-Resource.jpg 1200w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-Bushfire-Safety-Resource-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-Bushfire-Safety-Resource-768x510.jpg 768w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-Bushfire-Safety-Resource-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-Bushfire-Safety-Resource-339x225.jpg 339w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-Bushfire-Safety-Resource-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
<p>With very dry weather conditions this year, there’s a high chance of a bushfire occurring in rural areas. Are you ready for a bushfire?</p>
<p>You may be preparing to have fun this coming summer, but it’s also important to prepare yourself, your family, and your property for a bushfire. This includes creating a bushfire survival plan, assessing and reducing your bushfire risk, and learning about fire safety. If you live near grassland like on a farm or in a country town, you’ll also need to prepare for a grassfire.</p>
<h2><strong>Bushfire forecast in 2017</strong></h2>
<p>NSW has been experiencing <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/conditions-in-nsw-are-drier-now-than-in-the-lead-up-to-the-devastating-2013-bushfire-season-2017-10?utm_source=Business+Insider+Australia+-+10+things+you+need+to+know+in+the+morning+in+Australia&#38;utm_campaign=836dac2387-businessinsider_2017_10_13&#38;utm_medium=email&#38;utm_term=0_8a990bd96b-836dac2387-279812877" target="_blank" rel="noopener">very dry weather conditions this year</a>, with high temperatures and a lack of significant rainfall. Dryness acts as fuel for a fire and the amount of fire activity in 2017 has doubled compared with 2016. Since July, there has been more than 5,000 fires across NSW. And some of these fires lasted for several weeks.</p>
<p>The most at-risk areas in NSW include forested areas along the coast, some inland areas, and the North-West of the state. As for the rest of Australia, high-risk areas include coastal and inland areas, and central Australia.</p>
<p>With summer almost upon us, you can expect to see more warm and hot days in the following weeks, along with windy weather. This means there’s a high possibility of more fires occurring. Firefighters predict that this upcoming bushfire season will be potentially deadly.</p>
<h2><strong>Create a bushfire survival plan</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/36600/Plan-Step1-Discuss.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The RFS</a> have many detailed resources on how to create a bushfire plan. There are four steps you should take:</p>
<ol>
<li>Have a discussion with your family about what to do if there’s a bushfire, eg will you leave early or stay and defend your property?</li>
<li>Prepare your home for a bushfire, eg keep the grass short and have a cleared area around your home.</li>
<li>Know the bushfire alert levels (blue, yellow, and red) and the fire danger ratings (low-moderate to catastrophic).</li>
<li>Keep key information to stay up to date on conditions in your area, eg emergency numbers, websites, and a smartphone app.</li>
</ol>
<h2><strong>Prepare your home</strong></h2>
<p>Here’s how you can <a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/prepare-your-property" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prepare your home</a> for bushfires:</p>
<ul>
<li>Remove leaves and twigs from your gutters.</li>
<li>Install metal gutter guards and a fire sprinkler system.</li>
<li>Repair your roof if tiles are damaged or missing.</li>
<li>Install fine metal mesh screens on doors and windows.</li>
<li>Seal gaps in external walls, under the house, and around doors and windows.</li>
<li>Trim the grass, trees, and shrubs.</li>
<li>Remove fallen leaves, twigs, and debris from your property.</li>
<li>Have a long hose that reaches around your house.</li>
<li>Put a Static Water Supply sign on your property entrance if you have a pool, tank, or dam. This way, firefighters know they can get water from your place.</li>
<li>Check that your home and contents insurance is adequate and up to date.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Prepare yourself and your family</strong></h2>
<p>You and your family should also <a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/prepare-your-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prepare yourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally</a>. A bushfire can be a scary situation. The flames, intense heat, and strong gusty winds can make you tired fast. Thick heavy smoke can choke your lungs and sting your eyes, making it hard for you to see and breathe.</p>
<p>The sound of roaring fire can be frightening. Embers raining down can cause spot fires around you. Your power and water supply may get cut off. You might find yourself alone in a dark, noisy environment that can be mentally and physically demanding.</p>
<p>If you don’t think you can cope, plan to leave early before a fire reaches your area and before you’re under threat. Children, the elderly, the disabled, and those with health problems should also leave early. It’s the safest option.</p>
<h2><strong>Assess your bushfire risk</strong></h2>
<p>You can assess your bushfire risk using the <a href="https://assessmyrisk.rfs.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bushfire Household Assessment Tool</a>. You can also check if you live on <a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/building-in-a-bush-fire-area/planning-for-bush-fire-protection/bush-fire-prone-land/check-bfpl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bushfire prone land</a>.</p>
<h2><strong>Grass fire dangers</strong></h2>
<p>Grasslands cover <a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/grassfires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about 80% of NSW</a>. Grass fires can start easily in pastures, paddocks, crops, and undisturbed natural grasslands. They can also move three times faster than a bushfire, which leaves you little time to get ready.</p>
<p>If you’re not prepared and you <a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/grassfires/farming" target="_blank" rel="noopener">live on a farm</a> or in a country town, a grassfire can cut roads and destroy your home, crops, and livelihood.</p>
<h2><strong>Prepare your farm and property for grass fires</strong></h2>
<p>Due to dry weather there’s an increased risk of grass fires this summer, so it’s important that you prepare your farm and your property for a grassfire.</p>
<p>Here’s what you can do:</p>
<ul>
<li>Make a bushfire survival plan so you and your family know what to do when there’s a grassfire nearby.</li>
<li>Keep the grass short by mowing, grazing, or slashing it back.</li>
<li>Create firebreaks to prevent fire escaping or entering your property &#8211; mow, graze, or plough around crops, valuable assets (livestock, buildings), and fence lines.</li>
<li>Maintain your machinery to prevent them from starting fires.</li>
<li>Find a place where you can move your animals to safety.</li>
<li>Check and maintain equipment you can use to fight a fire such as hoses and pumps. However, do not attempt to control a fire on your own. Always contact your local fire service.</li>
<li>Make sure a fire truck can enter your property, eg keep gates and bridges open, and remove obstructions.</li>
<li>If you use fire on your property, go to your local <a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/about-us/fcc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fire Control Centre</a> and find out if you need a <a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permit</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Teaching your family about fire safety</strong></h2>
<p>You can learn about fire safety at <a href="http://www.firefacts.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FireFacts.org</a>. You’ll find <a href="http://www.firefacts.org/parents.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">information for parents</a> that can help you and your family make your home safer, as well as <a href="http://www.firesafekids.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">games, activities, and colouring pages for children</a> that help teach fire safety. With this valuable resource, you can educate your children about the dangers of fire and what to do if there’s a fire near or in your home.</p>
<p>If your family lives in the country, especially on a remote cattle station, you and your children can also learn some <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-09-07/bushfire-safety-tips-specific-to-country-kids-delivered-by-bushy/8877622" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bushfire safety tips from Bushy the Bushfire Wallaby</a>. The program is run by the Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland (RFBAQ). Here are some tips:</p>
<ul>
<li>Prepare well before the bushfire season.</li>
<li>Make a plan, eg what to do and where to go if there’s a fire.</li>
<li>Clean up around the house and the property.</li>
<li>Have the firefighter ute ready with water to flow in the event there’s a fire and strong winds start to blow.</li>
<li>Have heaps of water out in the paddock, etc.</li>
<li>Put in firebreaks.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Protect your home and family from fire</strong></h2>
<p>Bushfires and grass fires are dangerous, so don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your property and family for a fire. With careful planning and preparing in advance, your home and family can survive a fire this summer.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/comprehensive-bushfire-safety-resource-kit-home/">A Comprehensive Bushfire Safety Resource for Your Kit Home</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsThu, 23 Nov 2017 08:33:16 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=3227admin_adam2017-11-23T08:33:16ZWhen is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota?http://www.frador.com/best-time-plant-grass-seed-minnesota/
http://www.frador.com/best-time-plant-grass-seed-minnesota/feed/0<p>Whether you are planting a new lawn for the first-time, or reseeding a small area, a lush green yard is what you are after. But obtaining one is more than throwing down grass seed and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/best-time-plant-grass-seed-minnesota/">When is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">Whether you are planting a new lawn for the first-time, or reseeding a small area, a lush green yard is what you are after. But obtaining one is more than throwing down grass seed and adding sun and water. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span id="more-1369"></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #000000;"> A beautiful yard is the result of many factors: high-quality grass seed, proper watering techniques,<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1372" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sprouting-300x225.jpg" alt="When is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota?" width="300" height="225" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sprouting-300x225.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sprouting-768x576.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sprouting.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> fertilizer, aeration, and good timing. A well-timed and well-informed decision on when to plant grass seed may make the difference between a pristine lawn, and a blemished one. Let’s take a look at some considerations before the project begins to determine the best time to plant grass seed in Minnesota.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Before You Begin<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">First, why are you reseeding? For example, is the grass underneath your favorite oak tree thinning? Has the oak tree&#8217;s canopy expanded so that sunlight cannot protrude it? Is it likely that your favorite oak tree grows it is taking more water and nutrients to survive, and leaving less water and nutrients for the grass nearby? If this sounds familiar, or if your case is completely different, look to make changes (e.g. watering, pruning, etc) so you don’t find yourself in another reseeding project soon.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Best Time<br />
</b><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1371" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sprouting-MAIN-300x198.jpg" alt="When is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota?" width="300" height="198" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sprouting-MAIN-300x198.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sprouting-MAIN-768x508.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sprouting-MAIN.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">In cool weather states like Minnesota, the best time to plant grass seed is late summer to early fall. This time frame gives the cool weather grass seeds (e.g. Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, perennial ryegrass, etc.) the best chance for survival. This time frame is also past any extreme heat from the summer months. Established grasses will be going dormant at winter approaches, giving the growing seeds a better chance of grabbing essential nutrients. Lawns seeded in late summer and early fall are more likely to fill in completely for winter and produce a thicker turf appearance the following spring. And with the onset of fall, the nights are growing longer and cooler which will help any new grass stay moist and not dry out. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Weather Considerations<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">During the growing season, grass can grow at almost any time but there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. If you have an opportunity to select the time you plant, wait until the day before or the day of a rain shower to plant your grass seed. A gentle watering will help the seeds germinate. However, if a thunderstorm or significant rainfall is in the forecast, you may want to delay your plans. Too much rain on virgin or prepared soil will cause the seeds to runoff towards nearby storm drains. Causing you to literally watch your seeds go down the drain. On the other hand, if you plant seeds during a drought it will be very difficult to keep them irrigated enough to help them establish roots.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><img class="alignright wp-image-1373" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-sproutingII.jpg" alt="When is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota?" width="296" height="222" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">Lastly, avoid planting during an extreme heat wave or cold snap. Such extremes can occur in late summer and early fall, but these abnormal temperature swings will make it even more difficult for the seeds to germinate.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>How Long Before Results<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you plant your grass seeds and they germinate, you should see new sprouts in about </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">two weeks</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. If two weeks have passed and there are no grass sprouts, then reseed and be sure to water properly. The most important factor when planting grass seed is the proper amount of water. Frequent and timely irrigation to ensure that the soil is moist during germination is best. Too much irrigation will turn your yard into a lake and cause the grass seed to wash away.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>How To</b></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">Seeding should be spread a half rate in perpendicular directions across the area that needs to be seeded. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow up with a light raking, but allow </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">10-15%</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of the seed to show. </span></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">Use a roller or cultipacker over the area will ensure good seed-to-soil contact.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow a frequent watering program by applying light irrigation up to three to four times a day.</span><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1374" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-300x198.jpg" alt="When is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota?" width="300" height="198" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-300x198.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass-768x508.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/grass.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">After germination, reduce watering frequency as roots grow into the soil.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Where to Start<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you want it done right, you need to start with high-quality grass seed. Fra-Dor Landscape Supplies has </span><a href="http://www.frador.com/product/grass-seed/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">grass seed</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and other quality </span><a href="http://www.frador.com/product-category/frador/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">materials </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">for all of your landscaping needs. For competitive pricing on all of your residential and commercial projects, </span><a href="http://www.frador.com/contact/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">contact Fra-dor</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for a quote today.</span></span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/best-time-plant-grass-seed-minnesota/">When is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p>Landscape TipsWed, 20 Sep 2017 21:12:06 GMThttp://www.frador.com/best-time-plant-grass-seed-minnesota/#respondhttp://www.frador.com/?p=1369Fra-Dor2017-09-20T21:12:06Z15 Backyard Landscape Design Ideas for Maximum Privacyhttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/backyard-landscape-design-ideas/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/backyard-landscape-design-ideas/feed/0<p>As a homeowner, spending time in your backyard with friends and family is something you look forward to, especially in warm spring and summer months. Whether you want to plan a family cookout or kick back in your favorite lounge chair, creating a backyard landscape design with adequate privacy and...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/backyard-landscape-design-ideas/">15 Backyard Landscape Design Ideas for Maximum Privacy</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Landscape DesignWed, 23 Aug 2017 21:21:51 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/backyard-landscape-design-ideas/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=12076Mark Borst2017-08-23T21:21:51ZHow to Get the Best Landscaping in Bergen County, NJhttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/landscaping-bergen-county-nj/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/landscaping-bergen-county-nj/feed/0<p>The best way to ensure that your landscape stays green and healthy throughout the year is to hire a professional. A qualified landscaping company can provide expert services, quality care and a year-round commitment. With numerous landscaping companies in Bergen County, it&#8217;s important to choose one with extensive knowledge and...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/landscaping-bergen-county-nj/">How to Get the Best Landscaping in Bergen County, NJ</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Landscape DesignLandscape MaintenanceOrganic LandscapingWed, 23 Aug 2017 20:27:57 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/landscaping-bergen-county-nj/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=12068Mark Borst2017-08-23T20:27:57ZHow to Prep Your Yard for Fallhttp://www.frador.com/prep-yard-fall/
http://www.frador.com/prep-yard-fall/feed/0<p>As fall weather creeps our way, it's time to think about getting your yard and landscape ready for the season ahead. Give yourself enough time, because once the first hard freeze hits, it will be too late.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/prep-yard-fall/">How to Prep Your Yard for Fall</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">As fall weather creeps our way, it&#8217;s time to think about getting your yard and landscape ready for the season ahead. Give yourself enough time, because once the first hard freeze hits, it will be too late.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span id="more-1334"></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Add Mulch<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">When we think of mulch, most of us think of spring time with flowers blooming as we beautify our <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1335" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/mulch-300x204.jpg" alt="Mulch" width="300" height="204" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/mulch-300x204.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/mulch-768x522.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/mulch.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />gardens. That is when most mulch is used. But, mulch plays an important role in the fall as well. When the leaves are changing colors, it might be good to lay down a “mulch” blanket for your plants, shrubs and ornamental trees. Mulch creates a barrier between the surface and the snow that is about to fall and insulates the root system. Mulching in the fall is a simple and effective way to ensure the health of your landscape for future years.</span><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://www.frador.com/product-category/frador/mulches/"> Fall mulching options</a>.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Keep Mowing<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">So long as your lawn continues to grow, it should be mowed throughout the fall. As the season draws to a close, gradually lower the mowing height over the final two to three mowings. This will help the grass adjust to a lower height of cut instead of being scalped just before going into colder conditions. Keeping your grass at a lower height will allow sunlight to reach the crown of the grass and decrease the likelihood of snow mold the following spring.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Aerate the Soil<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fall is an ideal time to</span><a href="http://yardcare.toro.com/maintain/when-is-the-best-time-to-aerate/"> aerate your lawn</a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">so that nutrients can reach the grass’s root system. <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1336" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/aerate-300x225.jpg" alt="Person aerating a lawn" width="300" height="225" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/aerate-300x225.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/aerate-768x576.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/aerate-1024x768.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Regular aeration</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8211;once every couple of years&#8211;will help your lawn be healthier and more beautiful. The trick is making sure you aerate at the proper time. In the Upper Midwest, aeration should take place early enough in the fall so the turf can recover before winter dormancy. If you wait too long, your grass will not be able to recover before the first freeze; forcing it to lie dormant and recover the following spring.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Rake the Leaves<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Raking is no fun! But it is important to remove fallen leaves from your yard, and ideally, soon after they fall. Leaves will become wet from rain and morning dew if they sit around too long, and eventually stick together. Wet, clumpy leaves form a mat that will suffocate the grass and create an environment to breed fungal diseases, if not removed.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Fertilize<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you fertilize your lawn only once a year, do it in the fall. Fall is when cool grasses are recovering from <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1337" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fertilize-300x200.jpg" alt="Lush, green grass that has been fertilized" width="300" height="200" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fertilize-300x200.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fertilize-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fertilize.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />the summer stresses of heat, drought, and disease. Fall fertilization will allow the grass to store up nutrients and serve as a source of energy to resist the stresses of winter. Fertilizer should be applied when there is still active growth and before the ground freezing. And always follow the manufacturer’s recommended rate of application. The goal of fall fertilizing is to promote root growth: the last dose of fertilizer in the fall can make all the difference the following spring.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>Weed Control<br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fall is a great time to rid your yard of those pesky dandelions, crabgrass, and other weeds. Like most plants, weeds enter an energy-absorbing mode during the fall. They drink everything that comes their way, including weed killers. Apply a</span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/herbicide.htm"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">herbicide</span></a></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">when the soil is moist and the air temperature is moderate. You may need multiple applications to combat the tough-to-kill weeks. Check the label of the herbicide for suggested application intervals.</span></span></p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/prep-yard-fall/">How to Prep Your Yard for Fall</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p>Landscape TipsMon, 21 Aug 2017 19:05:05 GMThttp://www.frador.com/prep-yard-fall/#respondhttp://www.frador.com/?p=1334Fra-Dor2017-08-21T19:05:05Z5 Ways Organic Lawn Care Makes You a Better Homeownerhttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/organic-lawn-care-homeowner/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/organic-lawn-care-homeowner/feed/0<p>Did you know your lawn says a lot about you as a homeowner? It&#8217;s true! A vibrant green lawn, regardless of the size, shows you love making a good first impression and want to show off your Bergen County home with pride. When joined by lush landscaped grounds, it also...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/organic-lawn-care-homeowner/">5 Ways Organic Lawn Care Makes You a Better Homeowner</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Garden MaintenanceLandscape MaintenanceOrganic LandscapingWed, 16 Aug 2017 13:25:19 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/08/organic-lawn-care-homeowner/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=12052Mark Borst2017-08-16T13:25:19ZA Guide to Customising Your Homehttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/guide-to-customising-your-home/
<p>A dream kit home is more than what you can see on the floor plan. The perfect home is one that caters to your needs and lifestyle. After all, it’s the special features that transform a house into a real home.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/guide-to-customising-your-home/">A Guide to Customising Your Home</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><p>A dream kit home is more than what you can see on the floor plan. The perfect home is one that caters to your needs and lifestyle. After all, it’s the special features that transform a house into a real home.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/guide-to-customising-your-home/">A Guide to Customising Your Home</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsTue, 08 Aug 2017 07:20:12 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=3156admin_adam2017-08-08T07:20:12Z11 Attractive Landscape Drainage Solutionshttp://www.frador.com/11-attractive-landscape-drainage-solutions/
http://www.frador.com/11-attractive-landscape-drainage-solutions/feed/0<p>Drainage solutions tend to be generalized as being unattractive but necessary. But with these 11 inspiring solutions, your landscape can stay beautiful while avoiding damage from heavy rains. 1. Use landscaping rock to create a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/11-attractive-landscape-drainage-solutions/">11 Attractive Landscape Drainage Solutions</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p><p>Drainage solutions tend to be generalized as being unattractive but necessary. But with these 11 inspiring solutions, your landscape can stay beautiful while avoiding damage from heavy rains.</p>
<h2><span id="more-1290"></span>1. Use landscaping rock to create a fountain</h2>
<p><a href="http://gardeningseasons.com/pics-of-plants-for-waterfalls-here-is-a-dry-waterfall-created-under-a-downspout-as-a-functional/"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1292" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage1.jpg" alt="" width="643" height="482" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage1.jpg 800w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage1-300x225.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 643px) 100vw, 643px" /></a></p>
<h2>2. Edge your yard with plants and small rocks to direct the water</h2>
<p><a href="https://serenityinthegarden.blogspot.com/2010/10/gardening-writing.html"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1291" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Drainage-10.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="723" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Drainage-10.jpg 564w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Drainage-10-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 482px) 100vw, 482px" /></a></p>
<h2>3. Install a small grate to collect runoff</h2>
<p><a href="http://trenchdrainblog.trenchdrainsystems.com/2008/10/08/trench-drain-installation-residential-driveway/"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1297" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage6.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="643" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage6.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage6-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 482px) 100vw, 482px" /></a></p>
<h2>4. Design a ditch with rocks to run the water downward</h2>
<p><a href="http://mermaid-at-frog-hollow.blogspot.com/2013/09/william-reader-rock-garden-in-calgary.html"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1298" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage7.jpg" alt="" width="481" height="641" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage7.jpg 480w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage7-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 481px) 100vw, 481px" /></a></p>
<h2>5. Use plant, mulch, and rocks to absorb rainwater as nourishment</h2>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1299" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage8.jpg" alt="" width="564" height="423" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage8.jpg 564w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage8-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px" /></p>
<h2>6. Design a fountain to direct water away</h2>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1300" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage9.jpg" alt="" width="321" height="416" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage9.jpg 280w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage9-231x300.jpg 231w" sizes="(max-width: 321px) 100vw, 321px" /></p>
<h2>7. Disguise the gutter with nice landscaping additions</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.thelocalshed.com/for-garden-and-outdoors.html"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1301" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage11.jpg" alt="" width="564" height="423" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage11.jpg 564w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage11-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px" /></a></p>
<h2>8. Create a dry creek to run water away</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1095055053877968&#38;set=gm.10153815373168058&#38;type=3&#38;theater"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1293" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage2.jpg" alt="" width="474" height="577" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage2.jpg 474w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage2-246x300.jpg 246w" sizes="(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px" /></a></p>
<h2>9. Small landscaping rocks take the pressure of heavy rainfall</h2>
<p><a href="http://mynewgardeningplan.com/river-rock-drain-spouts/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1294" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage3.jpg" alt="" width="374" height="664" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage3.jpg 374w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage3-169x300.jpg 169w" sizes="(max-width: 374px) 100vw, 374px" /></a></p>
<h2>10. A hidden path in the yard will direct your water without being noticeable</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.gapphotos.com/imagedetails.asp?view=land-sculpting--winding-rill-through-grass-in-undulating-garden-with-dips-and-mounds-covered--the-healing-garden-boston-&#38;imageno=49954"><img class="size-full wp-image-1295" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage4.jpg" alt="" width="551" height="800" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage4.jpg 551w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage4-207x300.jpg 207w" sizes="(max-width: 551px) 100vw, 551px" /></a></p>
<h2>11. By designing the entire area with landscaping rocks, you will improve your drainage immensely</h2>
<p><a href="http://blog.homedepot.com/diy-yard-drainage-solution-that-looks-great/"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1296" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage5.jpg" alt="" width="555" height="833" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage5.jpg 564w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/drainage5-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px" /></a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/11-attractive-landscape-drainage-solutions/">11 Attractive Landscape Drainage Solutions</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p>Landscape TipsMon, 24 Jul 2017 16:05:28 GMThttp://www.frador.com/11-attractive-landscape-drainage-solutions/#respondhttp://www.frador.com/?p=1290Fra-Dor2017-07-24T16:05:28ZUsing Slate Walkways to Enhance Your Landscapinghttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/06/walkway-slate/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/06/walkway-slate/feed/0<p>If you&#8217;re looking for ways to increase the landscaping appeal of your home, consider a beautiful slate walkway. As a natural material that&#8217;s mined from the earth, slate provides excellent strength, durability and easy maintenance. It holds up well in any climate and various weather conditions, so you can expect...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/06/walkway-slate/">Using Slate Walkways to Enhance Your Landscaping</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Outdoor WalkwaysTue, 13 Jun 2017 16:00:22 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/06/walkway-slate/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=11998Mark Borst2017-06-13T16:00:22Z3 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Landscaping Service in Bergen Countyhttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/06/landscaping-service-bergen-county-nj/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/06/landscaping-service-bergen-county-nj/feed/0<p>Hiring a professional landscaping service in Bergen County NJ will provide many benefits for your home. Professional services will keep your landscape green, healthy and well-manicured and give you more free time to spend with family and friends. A landscape professional will provide year-round care and maintenance services that protect...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/06/landscaping-service-bergen-county-nj/">3 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Landscaping Service in Bergen County</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Landscape MaintenanceMon, 12 Jun 2017 19:12:30 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/06/landscaping-service-bergen-county-nj/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=11992Mark Borst2017-06-12T19:12:30ZWhat Inclusions Will Turn Your House Into a Dream Home?https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/inclusions-will-turn-house-dream-home/
<p>Building your first home is fun, but somewhere in all the excitement it could be easy to overlook things, even if you&#8217;re building from a kit. Forgetting something isn&#8217;t necessarily a disaster, but taking the proper time to plan everything well will help you avoid any potential disappointments. One of the things many first time...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/inclusions-will-turn-house-dream-home/">What Inclusions Will Turn Your House Into a Dream Home?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3051" src="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-What-Inclusions-Will-Turn-Your-House-Into-a-Dream-Home.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="531" srcset="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-What-Inclusions-Will-Turn-Your-House-Into-a-Dream-Home.jpg 800w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-What-Inclusions-Will-Turn-Your-House-Into-a-Dream-Home-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-What-Inclusions-Will-Turn-Your-House-Into-a-Dream-Home-768x510.jpg 768w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-What-Inclusions-Will-Turn-Your-House-Into-a-Dream-Home-339x225.jpg 339w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-What-Inclusions-Will-Turn-Your-House-Into-a-Dream-Home-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
<p>Building your first home is fun, but somewhere in all the excitement it could be easy to overlook things, even if you&#8217;re building from a kit. Forgetting something isn&#8217;t necessarily a disaster, but taking the proper time to plan everything well will help you avoid any potential disappointments.</p>
<p>One of the things many first time owner-builders forget to think about in advance is making a list of non-standard inclusions that will enhance the beauty and comfort of the finished construction. Including better extras can make the difference between merely having a house and having a dream home. So here are a few <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/inclusions/">inclusions to take into consideration</a> during the early planning stages:</p>
<h2>1. Roof Options</h2>
<p>Colorbond roofing is one of the most recognisable traits of Australian architecture, so let’s start here. Colorbond gives you the advantage of rapid installation. The material is lightweight and strong, plus flexible enough that it can be adapted to almost any building situation.</p>
<p>Because it is easy to install, you not only save money on the initial purchase cost, but also the labour costs for installation. A steel roof is also easy to maintain and keep clean, which is definitely a feature you will love, especially if you&#8217;re collecting rainwater from your roof. Also, Colorbond is available in a wide range of colours, so you have one more way to express the personality of your home.</p>
<p>If you decide to use tiles, you will need to reinforce your roof to support the extra weight, you will spend more time and money on construction, and the council inspection process may be more demanding as well.</p>
<h2>2. Exterior Siding</h2>
<p>Constructing from brick is always a popular for exterior siding. This classic option is sturdy, reliable and suited to the homeowner who likes a uniform aesthetic.</p>
<p>Building with WeatherTex® or HardiPlank® is another option. These are light and economical. Compared with traditional weatherboards, these are a more low-maintenance solution, and they&#8217;re a lot safer because you don&#8217;t need to worry about warping, cracking, splitting, or the ravages of insects.</p>
<h2>3. Interior finish</h2>
<p>When it comes to thinking about the interior, most people spend excessive time thinking about the colour, but what’s more important is considering the type of paint you&#8217;re going to use. It makes a <em>considerable</em> difference, and spending a little more can pay off in the long term.</p>
<p>Choosing a paint that&#8217;s designed for wash-and-wear, like Dulux Living-Proof Silk, means your walls will be much better able to cope with the stress of daily living. Your interior will look better and you save money by not needing to constantly repaint.</p>
<p>But before you make a firm decision about the brand and type of paint you&#8217;re going to use, you also need to know that these choices do affect the range of colour options available. So consider all the variables carefully before making your selection.</p>
<p>Cornices and skirting are also major factors to consider when planning the aesthetics of your interior. These inclusions can dramatically shape a room can look and feel. Consider the personality you want your home to have. While they may seem like small inclusions, picking the right cornice and skirting will significantly elevate the quality of a room.</p>
<h2>4. Kitchen options</h2>
<p>The heart and soul of any home can usually be found in the kitchen, so making the right choices here can actually affect the character of your home. Once again, however, the looks are not necessarily the most important part of the decision you make.</p>
<p>One of the most useful additions you can make to the kitchen is the inclusion of a glass splashback. This affordable item makes cleaning up after cooking a snap, and keeps your kitchen looking great. This is a major improvement over the traditional ceramic tile splashback.</p>
<p>You can buy all kinds of pre-packaged luxury kitchen installations, and really it&#8217;s just a matter of shopping around to find something that suits your taste and budget. Buying a pre-packaged kitchen deal is usually going to give better results than buying all the items individually, because you know the items are going to complement one another.</p>
<h2>5. Bathroom Options</h2>
<p>The bathroom choices are fairly obvious, as there&#8217;s only so many different types of furnishings that can be included, but the most important thing to think about here is the floor tiles. It&#8217;s better to spend more for high quality, durable, non-slip floor tiles than to spend many thousands of dollars later paying for expensive hospital bills after somebody slips.</p>
<p>Think also about luxury inclusions for your bathroom. You can install taps that are easy to operate, which makes your bathroom more accessible. You can install a custom shower head that changes the shower experience. And of course if you have room for a tub, that is always a welcome addition to the bathroom, especially if it comes with a jacuzzi option.</p>
<p>Let’s not forget the centrepiece of the bathroom; the toilet. Your toilet suite plays a big part in the appeal of a bathroom, so if you’re building from your own design plan around the toilet to ensure functionality and allure. Likewise vanities play a very similar role, so don’t take any shortcuts when planning for these.</p>
<h2>6. Door and window fittings</h2>
<p>The choices you make regarding your door and window fittings make some difference to the accessibility, aesthetics, and security of your home. Round door knobs are traditional, but lever style door knobs are easier to operate. You can choose numerous high-tech lock fittings, making your home more secure. You can also choose different material finishes including brass, chrome, stainless steel, copper, and bronze, among others.</p>
<p>Making the right decisions will save you time and money later</p>
<p>It&#8217;s much better to make decisions you&#8217;re happy with as early as possible in the process, so that you don&#8217;t need to deal with the expense of making changes later. With careful planning and just the right amount of luck, your new home will give you years of pleasure and that&#8217;s something worth making the effort for.</p>
<p>Discover more options to customise your dream home. <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/kit-home-right/">Take our quiz</a> to find the best home for you, or take a <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/take-3d-walk-one-kit-homes/">virtual walk-through of one of our homes</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/inclusions-will-turn-house-dream-home/">What Inclusions Will Turn Your House Into a Dream Home?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsThu, 01 Jun 2017 08:31:27 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=3047admin_adam2017-06-01T08:31:27ZWhy the Orientation of Your Kit Home is Importanthttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/orientation-kit-home-important/
<p>Building your first home is an incredibly exciting project, but it&#8217;s important to make sure you don&#8217;t get too excited and rush past some of the logical steps in planning. If you&#8217;re hiring professional builders to help you, it will simply be a matter of checking the plans and making sure all is as it...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/orientation-kit-home-important/">Why the Orientation of Your Kit Home is Important</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3052" src="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-Why-the-Orientation-of-Your-Kit-Home-is-Important.jpg" alt="Kitome - Why the Orientation of Your Kit Home is Important" width="675" height="377" srcset="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-Why-the-Orientation-of-Your-Kit-Home-is-Important.jpg 675w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-Why-the-Orientation-of-Your-Kit-Home-is-Important-300x168.jpg 300w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-Why-the-Orientation-of-Your-Kit-Home-is-Important-403x225.jpg 403w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-Why-the-Orientation-of-Your-Kit-Home-is-Important-400x223.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px" />
<p>Building your first home is an incredibly exciting project, but it&#8217;s important to make sure you don&#8217;t get too excited and rush past some of the logical steps in planning. If you&#8217;re hiring professional builders to help you, it will simply be a matter of checking the plans and making sure all is as it should be. If you&#8217;re undertaking the project as an owner-builder, however, you&#8217;ll have to do all the planning yourself.</p>
<h2>Orientation is another way to customise your kit home to your needs</h2>
<p>If you think that sounds a bit tedious, don&#8217;t worry, because it&#8217;s actually kind of fun. In fact, in many ways, being an owner-builder can be more rewarding because you&#8217;ll feel more connected to the project at every stage. In this stage, when you&#8217;re planning everything, you get to dream about exactly where you&#8217;re going to locate the house on your property and how you&#8217;re going to orient it.</p>
<p>When you&#8217;re building from a kit you&#8217;ll have the benefit of already possessing detailed architectural drawings showing the floor plan of the house. With this, you can see the location of every window, door, and other feature. From there it is simply a matter of deciding which way to orient these features to give you maximum advantage.</p>
<h2>Key learnings for orientation in Australia</h2>
<p>Each region of Australia has different weather patterns, different amounts of daylight, and even the altitude of your property will make a difference. In some areas, you want to orient for maximum cooling efficiency, while in others, maximum heat retention is the goal. You&#8217;ll also want to take into account the natural features of the property, the position of other structures (existing or planned) in relation to the house, and whether or not you intend to use solar power.</p>
<p>If you are going to be installing solar panels on your roof, then the primary deciding factor is less about climate and more about ensuring your solar panels receive the maximum amount of sunlight during the day.</p>
<p>The Earth rotates about its own axis 360° every 24 hours, which means each hour it rotates 15° (360÷24=15). During the hours when this rotation causes the Australian continent to be facing towards the sun, sunlight will shine through the atmosphere to reach the ground. The continuing rotation of the Earth creates the illusion that the sun is moving through the sky from east to west. The actual path the sun appears to take is called the <em>solar track</em> or <em>solar arc</em>.</p>
<h2>The solar track and your kit home</h2>
<p>In the Southern Hemisphere, the solar track always begins with the sun appearing in the east, seeming to track north, and then finally disappearing in the west. This means that the north face of your house will receive the most direct sunlight, and the south face of your house will not receive any direct sunlight. The east face will receive the most direct sunlight early in the morning, and the west face will receive the most direct sunlight in the late afternoon.</p>
<p>During summer, the solar track will appear to have a higher arc than during winter, and the arc will take longer to complete. During winter, when the arc angle is low, objects will cast longer shadows (they&#8217;ll also do this early in the morning and late in the afternoon, regardless of the season).</p>
<p>If you are using solar, you&#8217;ll want to ensure that the longest expanse of your roof is facing north. Also if you place solar panels on the south side of your roof, you&#8217;ll be wasting money.</p>
<p>When you want to maximize the amount of heat and light entering the house, orient the house so the majority of windows are facing north. If you want to minimize heat retention, do the opposite.</p>
<h2>Consider surrounding natural structures</h2>
<p>One final thing to think about is to take note of the physical geography when you are selecting a property to purchase. If there is a towering mountain immediately to the north of where you plan to situate your home, you are not likely to see very much direct sunlight during winter, and consequently your winters will be colder than usual.</p>
<p>Want to learn more about the perfect home that suits your needs? <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/kit-home-right/">Take our quiz</a> to find the best home for you, or take a <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/take-3d-walk-one-kit-homes/">virtual walk-through of one of our homes</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/orientation-kit-home-important/">Why the Orientation of Your Kit Home is Important</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsThu, 25 May 2017 09:11:53 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=3048admin_adam2017-05-25T09:11:53ZLandscape NJ: Reasons to Hire Professionalshttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/landscapers-nj/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/landscapers-nj/feed/0<p>If you&#8217;re trying to handle your own landscaping, it may be time to consider the benefits of hiring professionals. A healthy, well-maintained lawn and landscape requires a full-time commitment that leaves little free time to spend with family and friends. By hiring professional NJ landscapers, you can devote your free...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/landscapers-nj/">Landscape NJ: Reasons to Hire Professionals</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Backyard PondsCommercial LandscapeGarden DesignLandscape DesignOutdoor WalkwaysSat, 20 May 2017 17:50:06 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/landscapers-nj/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=11456Mark Borst2017-05-20T17:50:06Z46 Breathtaking Landscape Design Ideas (With Pictures)http://www.frador.com/46-breathtaking-landscape-design-ideas-pictures/
http://www.frador.com/46-breathtaking-landscape-design-ideas-pictures/feed/0<p>Get inspired before you take on the landscaping process with these 46 ideas! Keep in mind when taking on a landscaping project that buying in bulk can save you a lot of money. Mulch Photo [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/46-breathtaking-landscape-design-ideas-pictures/">46 Breathtaking Landscape Design Ideas (With Pictures)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p><p>Get inspired before you take on the landscaping process with these 46 ideas! Keep in mind when taking on a landscaping project that <a href="http://www.frador.com/9-benefits-buying-landscape-supplies-bulk/">buying in bulk</a> can save you a lot of money.</p>
<h2>Mulch</h2>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/8894096/Gentry-traditional-exterior-atlanta" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/ed11261802fbb51b_8-5040/traditional-exterior.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="736" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/frankbetz/frank-betz-associates-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/50942249/Eden-Prairie-traditional-landscape" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/c4a1f0c306eade01_8-2841/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/cemenski/landr-suburban-landscaping-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by L&#38;R Suburban Landscaping Inc.</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/50948364/Minnetonka-1-traditional-landscape" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/6481e40d06eaeecd_8-7140/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/cemenski/landr-suburban-landscaping-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by L&#38;R Suburban Landscaping Inc.</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/50947639/Minnetonka-traditional-patio" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/9dd19c1b06eaecf0_8-6664/traditional-patio.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/cemenski/landr-suburban-landscaping-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by L&#38;R Suburban Landscaping Inc.</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/11831611/Decking-Terrain-Collection-Silver-Maple-transitional-deck-chicago" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/ec514b7f03693f89_8-5427/transitional-deck.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/azekbuildingproducts/azek" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by AZEK</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/371023/Garden-circles-contemporary-landscape-san-diego" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/cd01d98d0ec91f9e_8-2162/contemporary-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="376" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/user/teretrout" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Tere Trout</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/2561070/Victorian-Major-Renovation-traditional-landscape-atlanta" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/4281546d0100039d_8-1677/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/heirloomdb/heirloom-design-build" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Heirloom Design Build</a> </small></div>
<h2>Pathways &#38; Patios</h2>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/51767119/Secret-Gardens-traditional-landscape-new-york" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/63418e8e06f99291_8-5507/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/matt1159/oliver-design-associates" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Oliver Design Associates</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/4609259/Oakville-Waterfront-traditional-landscape-toronto" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/62c1f0da01db2267_8-1447/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/peter-owen/owen-landscape-architect" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Owen Landscape Architect</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/4524517/Waters-edge-beach-style-landscape-dc-metro" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/d6912d5d01d0b526_8-1483/beach-style-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/westwindsnurseryllc/west-winds-nursery-llc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by West Winds Nursery LLC</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/39277025/Lemont-Landscaping-traditional-patio-chicago" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/b16164ca05ea52b4_8-2546/traditional-patio.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="340" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/kdlandscapemanagement/kandd-landscape-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by K&#38;D Landscape Management</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/2657512/Outdoor-Lifestyle-traditional-landscape-houston" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/6ef1d5af0109b994_8-1653/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/l3designs/l3-designs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by L3 Designs</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/4558998/Misc-Projects-traditional-landscape-seattle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/09b1ca7801d47e89_8-1443/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="376" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/studio342/studio-342-landscape-architecture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Studio 342 Landscape Architecture</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/5905222/Olsen-Property-traditional-patio-portland" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/14514f2e02436470_8-2948/traditional-patio.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/restoreparadise/paradise-restored-landscaping-and-exterior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Paradise Restored Landscaping &#38; Exterior Design</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/5906307/Peterson-Property-traditional-landscape-portland" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/5491062d024371c3_8-1313/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/restoreparadise/paradise-restored-landscaping-and-exterior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Paradise Restored Landscaping &#38; Exterior Design</a> </small></div>
<h2>Rock</h2>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/5021194/Resort-Style-in-the-backyard-contemporary-landscape-seattle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/2be149e501fc25e6_8-1403/contemporary-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/alderwoodlandscaping/alderwood-landscape-architecture-and-construction" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/7120834/Custom-traditional-landscape-new-york" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/2ef11c080293616e_8-1175/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="388" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/clclandscapedesign/clc-landscape-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by CLC Landscape Design</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/50942625/Eden-Prairie-traditional-pool" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/d6015e6a06eadfa8_8-3264/traditional-pool.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/cemenski/landr-suburban-landscaping-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by L&#38;R Suburban Landscaping Inc.</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/50941388/Waconia-rustic-landscape" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/9fa1091906eada68_8-1921/rustic-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/cemenski/landr-suburban-landscaping-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by L&#38;R Suburban Landscaping Inc.</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/50941752/Waconia-traditional-landscape" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/8371f41f06eadbfc_8-2328/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/cemenski/landr-suburban-landscaping-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by L&#38;R Suburban Landscaping Inc.</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/9827480/lake-house-beach-style-landscape-boston" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/8511c53003205296_8-1102/beach-style-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/pscapes/princeton-scapes-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Princeton Scapes Inc</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/396132/Brunstrom-Residence-contemporary-exterior-portland" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/ed31433e0ee245a4_8-3997/contemporary-exterior.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="344" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/mascord/alan-mascord-design-associates-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/1862790/Country-House-1-traditional-landscape-toronto" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/10717d55008dd64e_8-1816/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/ikarus/peter-a-sellar-architectural-photographer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Peter A. Sellar &#8211; Architectural Photographer</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/64864/Mediterranean-Exterior-mediterranean-exterior-phoenix" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/5b618c590c648648_8-4537/mediterranean-exterior.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/826044/Retractable-screens-at-Forever-House-Vancouver-Island-contemporary-exterior-vancouver" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/f0d1248b0f8f44b6_8-7627/contemporary-exterior.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="330" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/phantom-screens/phantom-screens" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Phantom Screens</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/5906749/Peterson-Property-traditional-landscape-portland" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/9001c607024373e9_8-1312/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/restoreparadise/paradise-restored-landscaping-and-exterior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Paradise Restored Landscaping &#38; Exterior Design</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/995892/Rock-Wall-Steps-Bamboo-eclectic-landscape-portland" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/7161f1030fc14190_8-2010/eclectic-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/headz77/ross-nw-watergardens" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Ross NW Watergardens</a> </small></div>
<h2>Ponds</h2>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/5054849/Romantic-Sanctuary-eclectic-landscape-los-angeles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/7c9140620200811f_8-1404/eclectic-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="696" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/barefootlandscape/barefoot-landscape" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Barefoot Landscape</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/6141644/Pond-and-Waterfall-traditional-landscape-baltimore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/d6f156980255bcd0_8-1290/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="374" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/claire7/claire-jones-landscapes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Claire Jones Landscapes</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/1309291/Back-Exterior-traditional-exterior-dc-metro" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/7e81f478001c2daf_8-3411/traditional-exterior.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/kohlmarkgroup/kohlmark-architects-and-builders" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by KohlMark Architects and Builders</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/9776454/Water-Garden-Planting-traditional-landscape-boston" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/ce310858031f176a_8-1099/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="376" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/peter-mezitt/weston-nurseries" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Weston Nurseries</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/2749123/Garden-Ponds-Fish-Ponds-Koi-Ponds-Monroe-County-Rochester-NY-by-Acorn-eclectic-landscape-new-york" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/85f1289c01141ff5_8-3403/eclectic-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="376" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/acornlandscapedesign/acorn-ponds-and-waterfalls" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Acorn Ponds &#38; Waterfalls</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/1793495/Atlee-Pathway-contemporary-landscape-vancouver" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/fef1fc7e00808869_8-3156/contemporary-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="312" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/ronswick/swicks-organic-landscaping" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Swick&#8217;s Organic Landscaping</a> </small></div>
<h2>Pools</h2>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/12005201/Asian-Prairie-Influence-on-Christmas-Lake-craftsman-exterior-minneapolis" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/f89177a803702dfc_8-0963/craftsman-exterior.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="286" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/kleineman/skd-architects" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by SKD Architects</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/3399914/Windsor-Parkway-traditional-pool-dallas" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/a0e17c2f0157376e_8-9611/traditional-pool.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/bonicklandscaping/bonick-landscaping" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Bonick Landscaping</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/113307/Traditional-traditional-pool-new-york" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/af516e780d4080e0_8-9997/traditional-pool.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/langpools/lang-pools-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Lang Pools Inc.</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/1872891/Open-Water-Southlake-TX-tropical-pool-dallas" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/05a146c7008fe560_8-9754/tropical-pool.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/specialtypools/one-specialty-landscape-design-pools-and-hardscape" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by One Specialty Landscape Design, Pools &#38; Hardscape</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/816204/2012-Builder-Concept-Home-Generation-X-contemporary-patio-orlando" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/1af15d5e0f8c66f0_8-1675/contemporary-patio.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/phantom-screens/phantom-screens" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Phantom Screens</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/1905609/Incredible-Custom-Pools-and-Spas-rustic-pool-orange-county" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/cd81a4340096c1fd_8-9759/rustic-pool.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/urban-landscape/urban-landscape" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Urban Landscape</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/2024358/Natural-Private-Residence-traditional-pool-dallas" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/66e1401200abf6be_8-9742/traditional-pool.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/pool1006/pool-environments-inc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Pool Environments, Inc.</a> </small></div>
<h2>Flowers</h2>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/3023741/Country-Farm-House-farmhouse-landscape-boston" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/22e1a6f3012e7a11_8-1623/farmhouse-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="276" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/abladeofgrass/a-blade-of-grass" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by a Blade of Grass</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/1912768/Plan-091S-0001-traditional-landscape-st-louis" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/34017d3200982d23_8-1832/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/houseplansandmore/house-plans-and-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by House Plans and More</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/11869329/Clopay-Canyon-Ridge-Collection-Ultra-Grain-Series-rustic-garage-cincinnati" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/92d19bb5036acb57_8-8262/rustic-garage.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="346" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/clopaydoors/clopay-building-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by Clopay Building Products</a></small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/6781795/Traditional-Landscape-traditional-landscape-portland-maine" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/1751bf8f0283aeca_8-1198/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="754" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/1764607/Paradise-Valley-Saguaro-2012-traditional-landscape-phoenix" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/e5c19480007c2d1b_8-1869/traditional-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="288" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/berghoff/berghoff-design-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by BERGHOFF DESIGN GROUP</a> </small></div>
<div><a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/3023796/Country-Farm-House-farmhouse-landscape-boston" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/56b15db5012e7a90_8-1624/farmhouse-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="326" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #444;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #444;" href="https://www.houzz.com/pro/abladeofgrass/a-blade-of-grass" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo by a Blade of Grass</a> </small></div>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/46-breathtaking-landscape-design-ideas-pictures/">46 Breathtaking Landscape Design Ideas (With Pictures)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p>Landscape TipsFri, 19 May 2017 15:28:06 GMThttp://www.frador.com/46-breathtaking-landscape-design-ideas-pictures/#respondhttp://www.frador.com/?p=1268Fra-Dor2017-05-19T15:28:06ZFront Yard Landscape Design Tips That Will Wow Buyershttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/design-front-yard-landscape/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/design-front-yard-landscape/feed/0<p>Your front yard landscape design has a big impact on your home&#8217;s curb appeal and property value. If you&#8217;re planning to sell your home for the best possible price, it&#8217;s important to create a landscape that is green, healthy and well-maintained to attract potential buyers. Before you list your home,...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/design-front-yard-landscape/">Front Yard Landscape Design Tips That Will Wow Buyers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Landscape DesignThu, 18 May 2017 16:47:49 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/design-front-yard-landscape/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=11607Mark Borst2017-05-18T16:47:49Z5 NJ Landscape Lighting Techniques from the Proshttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/landscape-lighting-nj/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/landscape-lighting-nj/feed/0<p>How do you create a landscape with stunning design appeal? One way is to make outdoor spaces beautiful and usable at night with landscape lighting in NJ. Outdoor lighting will create an inviting entrance, provide spaces for entertaining after dark, enhance your home&#8217;s style and increase curb appeal and property...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/landscape-lighting-nj/">5 NJ Landscape Lighting Techniques from the Pros</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Landscape LightingWed, 17 May 2017 17:45:04 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/landscape-lighting-nj/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=11458Mark Borst2017-05-17T17:45:04Z10 Small Backyard Pool Designs in NJhttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/nj-pool-designs/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/nj-pool-designs/feed/0<p>During hot Bergen County summers, a backyard swimming pool provides the perfect way to cool down. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the pool deck, pool parties with friends or splashing around with the kids, a backyard pool offers years of outdoor enjoyment for your home. With proper planning and creative...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/nj-pool-designs/">10 Small Backyard Pool Designs in NJ</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Swimming PoolsMon, 15 May 2017 17:44:12 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/nj-pool-designs/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=11457Mark Borst2017-05-15T17:44:12ZTop Million Dollar Backyard Pavilion Designs That You Can Get for Lesshttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/backyard-pavilion-designs/
https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/backyard-pavilion-designs/feed/0<p>Whether you enjoy relaxing in the garden filled with colorful blooms or lounging by the pool on a sunny afternoon, a backyard pavilion can be the perfect complement to your favorite setting. With proper design and planning assistance from a landscape professional, you can enjoy a beautiful pavilion without breaking the...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/backyard-pavilion-designs/">Top Million Dollar Backyard Pavilion Designs That You Can Get for Less</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.borstlandscape.com">Borst Landscape &#38; Design</a>.</p>Landscape DesignFri, 12 May 2017 15:43:21 GMThttps://www.borstlandscape.com/2017/05/backyard-pavilion-designs/#respondhttp://www.borstlandscape.com/?p=11609Mark Borst2017-05-12T15:43:21ZHow To Build A Koi Pondhttp://www.frador.com/1260-2/
http://www.frador.com/1260-2/feed/0<p>Koi ponds are great for creating an ambiance in your backyard landscape. The gentle water flowing and beautiful fish will put you and your guests at ease while you relax outside. Even better, you can [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/1260-2/">How To Build A Koi Pond</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p><p>Koi ponds are great for creating an ambiance in your backyard landscape. The gentle water flowing and beautiful fish will put you and your guests at ease while you relax outside. Even better, you can build a koi pond in your yard by yourself in just a few hours.</p>
<p><span id="more-1260"></span></p>
<h1>12 Steps To Build a Koi Pond In Your Yard</h1>
<h2>1.Pick your fish and plants</h2>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1256" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/18214036_s.jpg" alt="18214036 - several carp in a pond" width="450" height="300" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/18214036_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/18214036_s-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p>
<p>Koi fish and goldfish have different requirements. Koi fish need certain plants and get bigger, while goldfish are more flexible with their surroundings.</p>
<h2>2. Map it out</h2>
<p>Decide the dimensions, location, shape, and the style of your fish pond.</p>
<p>Note: If the pond is going to be deeper than about 12 inches, you should take a look at your local code to make sure it does not need to be fenced. Most koi ponds are 3-5 feet deep and should not be less than 3.</p>
<p>The location is more important than you think. Consider these factors in your decision-making process:</p>
<ul>
<li>Can you see and enjoy the pond easily?</li>
<li>Will leaves or debris fall into the pond often</li>
<li>Is it near a spot where runoff or fertilizer will run into the pond</li>
<li>Is it in an optimal spot for the sunlight that the plants need</li>
<li>Will children be playing close to this area? Would it be a hazard?</li>
</ul>
<h2>3. Fountain or no fountain?</h2>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1257" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14591520_s.jpg" alt="14591520 - koi fish, fancy carp, cyprinus carpio linn" width="450" height="300" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14591520_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14591520_s-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p>
<p>Is your design going to include a fountain? If so, <a href="http://watergarden.com/store/docs/Waterfall-Kits/building-disappearing-waterfall.htm">check out this article</a> about how to design your pond&#8217;s waterfall.</p>
<p>Fountains are both aesthetically pleasing, aerate the water to give the fish a better habitat, and help to keep the pond cleaner because it is moving the water. So although this is an additional step to your project, it is worth the time and money.</p>
<h2>4. Dig the pond</h2>
<p>Now it’s time to pull out your shovel and dig. It is a good idea to use a rope or garden hose to lay out the shape and size of your pond for a guide. If you are planting plants around the outer edge, only dig a small shelf where those plants will be located. Then, dig the center of the pond at a slight slope starting at the side with the waterfall and then getting deeper.</p>
<h2>5. Position the skimmers</h2>
<p>If you are using a pond skimmer to remove the debris off of the surface of the water, now is the time to dig the ditch for the skimmer and plumbing that will be running to the pond.</p>
<h2>6. Line the pond</h2>
<p>First, you should line the pond underlayment which can be cut with scissors. You can get this at your local home development store for pretty cheap (about $30 for a small pond). Then, you should place the rubber pond liner which should be thick. Try to avoid folds and wrinkles as much as possible.</p>
<h2>7. Add in the waterfall or fountain feature</h2>
<p>The next step is to excavate the waterfall tank. It can be placed to directly spill into your koi pond or to flow into something and then go down a stream to the pond. Make sure that this is included in your design for digging and material purposes.</p>
<h2>8. Lay the stone, landscaping rock, and other decorative features</h2>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1185" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/buckshot-e1494343518872.jpg" alt="buckshot" width="432" height="324" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/buckshot-e1494343518872.jpg 924w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/buckshot-e1494343518872-300x225.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/buckshot-e1494343518872-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px" /></p>
<p>Now is the time to plant the plants, edge the pond with stones, and fill it with rocks for decoration. Depending on the size of your pond, small to large sized <a href="http://www.frador.com/product/boulders/">boulders</a> work well for lining the pond. Then, you can fill the pond with <a href="http://www.frador.com/product/small-river-rock-34/">river rock</a> or <a href="http://www.frador.com/product/buckshot/">buckshot</a>.</p>
<h2>9. Fill the pond with water</h2>
<h2>10. Add dechlorinator</h2>
<p>Add dechlorinator to remove any chlorine that would harm the fish.</p>
<h2>11. Fill the pond with fish and aquatic plants</h2>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1258" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/27057357_s.jpg" alt="water lilie" width="450" height="207" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/27057357_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/27057357_s-300x138.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p>
<p>Now it’s time to add the fish and aquatic plants. It is good to add the plants as soon as possible because most of the plants will feed on the nutrients that would grow algae. If your pond is in full sun it is good to add water lilies to protect the fish. Then add the fish a few at a time over the course of a few weeks to let them get acclimated.</p>
<h3>There are 3 groups of plants that you can add to your fish pond:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Floating plants:</strong> water lilies, water lettuce, water hyacinth, lotus, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Shallow-water marsh plants:</strong> umbrella plants, water iris, horsetail, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Submerged plants:</strong> fanwort, elodea, ludwigia, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>All of these plants come with their own benefits and are acceptable for use in your koi pond. Just make sure the ones you pick will have the proper sunlight and note if they need pruning.</p>
<p>You can get these plants from your local home improvement store or pond store for an affordable price (about $5 each).</p>
<h2>12. Enjoy!</h2>
<p>After you finish your koi pond, sit back in your lawn chair and enjoy the serenity! You deserve it.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/1260-2/">How To Build A Koi Pond</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p>Landscape TipsTue, 09 May 2017 15:33:36 GMThttp://www.frador.com/1260-2/#respondhttp://www.frador.com/?p=1260Fra-Dor2017-05-09T15:33:36Z9 Benefits of Buying Landscape Supplies In Bulkhttp://www.frador.com/9-benefits-buying-landscape-supplies-bulk/
http://www.frador.com/9-benefits-buying-landscape-supplies-bulk/feed/0<p>Whether you are looking for landscaping rock, mulch, black dirt, top soil, or recycled materials, buying in bulk has its benefits. Also, don&#8217;t be misconstrued, bulk does not mean that you will have enough wood [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/9-benefits-buying-landscape-supplies-bulk/">9 Benefits of Buying Landscape Supplies In Bulk</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p><p>Whether you are looking for landscaping rock, mulch, black dirt, top soil, or recycled materials, buying in bulk has its benefits. Also, don&#8217;t be misconstrued, bulk does not mean that you will have enough wood chips for the entire neighborhood. You can go to a landscape supply store that sells in bulk and buy a wheelbarrow full. You can customize the amount of product to your project.</p>
<p><span id="more-1248"></span></p>
<h2>Why buy your landscape supplies in bulk?</h2>
<p>There are many benefits to buying your landscaping materials in bulk. But here are 9 that we think are important!</p>
<h2>Benefits:</h2>
<p><img class="wp-image-1197 alignnone" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/redmulch.jpg" alt="redmulch" width="368" height="490" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/redmulch.jpg 694w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/redmulch-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 368px) 100vw, 368px" /><img class="alignnone wp-image-1189" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12-limestone.jpg" alt="limestone" width="369" height="492" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12-limestone.jpg 694w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12-limestone-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 369px) 100vw, 369px" /><img class="alignnone wp-image-1205" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/balckdirt.jpg" alt="balckdirt" width="369" height="492" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/balckdirt.jpg 694w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/balckdirt-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 369px) 100vw, 369px" /></p>
<h3>1. The entire batch will look the same</h3>
<p>When you buy materials in one swoop, the product comes out looking the same. But when you try to buy landscaping supplies from bags or in small sections at a time, it is more likely that the product color and texture will be different. By buying in bulk, you are reducing the chances that will happen because you can get all of your product from one batch. Plus you will have an expert there to help you decide how much to get for your project so that you won’t run out halfway through.</p>
<h3>2. Save money</h3>
<p>If you compare a project that uses bulk materials to one that uses bagged, you can estimate that the bagged will cost almost double the price.</p>
<h3>3. High-quality</h3>
<p>Going off of the price, for less money you will also be getting a higher quality product that you can touch and see. If your product comes in a bag, it could be moldy, low quality, or not the color you expected. When you buy your product off of a lot, you can see exactly what you are getting which gives the lot an extra incentive to hold their suppliers to a high standard.</p>
<h3>4. Easier to haul</h3>
<p>With bulk products, there are no bags. That means that you don’t have to spend a beautiful summer day hauling each bag into your car just to get home and then unload them one by one.</p>
<h3>5. Delivery</h3>
<p>An even easier way to haul the products is with delivery. Most lots will offer to deliver the supplies right to your home. Big box stores don’t do this.</p>
<h3>6. Environmentally friendly</h3>
<p>The lack of additional packing makes it more environmentally friendly. There will not be 100 plastic bags polluting the earth. Plus, it is less trash for you to find a spot for.</p>
<h3>7. You can buy the exact amount you need</h3>
<p>When you buy in bags, you have to get that next bag to complete your project. But in bulk, you can buy exactly as much as you need.</p>
<h3>8. Expert employees at landscaping supply companies</h3>
<p>When you walk into a landscaping supply store, the employees live and breathe landscaping supplies. They have helped many people get materials for their home project. That means they will be able to give you expert advice on what you should do, how much you need, and what colors or styles will look best.</p>
<h3>9. Shopping local</h3>
<p>Shopping local helps your community. By buying from these stores you are helping families and the overall economy.<br />
Buying landscaping supplies in bulk may seem intimidating, but we promise that when you get to the supply lot, you will change your mind. Make your project the best it can be at the lowest price with help from the experts!</p>
<p>Check out our bulk products <a href="http://www.frador.com/product-category/frador/">here</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/9-benefits-buying-landscape-supplies-bulk/">9 Benefits of Buying Landscape Supplies In Bulk</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p>Landscape TipsMon, 08 May 2017 16:27:56 GMThttp://www.frador.com/9-benefits-buying-landscape-supplies-bulk/#respondhttp://www.frador.com/?p=1248Fra-Dor2017-05-08T16:27:56Z7 Ways To Make Your Kit Home Pet Friendlyhttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/7-ways-make-kit-home-pet-friendly/
<p>Planning your new kit home and want to make it as pet friendly as possible? Our furry friends are part of the family, so here’s 7 top ideas for making your kit home as comfortable as possible for your best friend. 1. Start at your pet’s eye level Our experience around the home is very...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/7-ways-make-kit-home-pet-friendly/">7 Ways To Make Your Kit Home Pet Friendly</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2780" src="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-7-Ways-To-Make-Your-Kit-Home-Pet-Friendly.jpg" alt="Kitome - 7 Ways To Make Your Kit Home Pet Friendly" width="100%" height="auto" srcset="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-7-Ways-To-Make-Your-Kit-Home-Pet-Friendly.jpg 1200w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-7-Ways-To-Make-Your-Kit-Home-Pet-Friendly-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-7-Ways-To-Make-Your-Kit-Home-Pet-Friendly-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-7-Ways-To-Make-Your-Kit-Home-Pet-Friendly-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-7-Ways-To-Make-Your-Kit-Home-Pet-Friendly-338x225.jpg 338w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-7-Ways-To-Make-Your-Kit-Home-Pet-Friendly-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
<p>Planning your new kit home and want to make it as pet friendly as possible? Our furry friends are part of the family, so here’s 7 top ideas for making your kit home as comfortable as possible for your best friend.</p>
<h2>1. Start at your pet’s eye level</h2>
<p>Our experience around the home is very different to our pets. Understand their point of view, get down on all fours and look around the home (you might want to close the curtains if you’ve got nosey neighbours). What dangers are obvious? You might need to go from room to room, and consider higher up areas as well, particularly if you have a cat that likes to climb.</p>
<h3>Be aware of the hazards</h3>
<p>Common sense prevails, so look for the following types of pitfalls that might harm your pet:</p>
<ul>
<li>Strangulation Hazards: Consider long, trailing curtain cords, loops of cord, cables etc.</li>
<li>Electrocution Hazards: Unplug unnecessary electrical cords, ensure cables are bedded down flush to the floor, use plugs for unused power points and remove or cover exposed wires</li>
<li>Choking and suffocation: This can be innocuous as a plastic bag or anything rope-like that forms a loop, like a cord.</li>
</ul>
<h2>2. Make space for your pet</h2>
<p>Most pets will seek out the same spots to be comfortable in. A warm spot in the sun, a cool spot on the tiles, and safe places to fall asleep in without getting squished by their human housemates. You can take control of this by actively designing spaces that your pet will feel comfortable. If you&#8217;re designing a home from scratch, consider large windows with a good view, as <a href="https://www.petsecure.com.au/pet-care/10-ways-keep-dog-entertained-youre-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dogs love keeping an eye on the outdoors</a>. There are a lot of great space ideas for pets, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Dog beds beneath cupboards</li>
<li>Mud rooms or dog showers in the laundry</li>
<li>Cat towers</li>
<li>Litter cabinets</li>
</ul>
<p>Creating purpose built spaces for your pet will make their home like safer and more comfortable and protect your furniture as well.</p>
<p>Justin Cofield from <a href="https://lonelypetsclub.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lonely Pets Club</a> recommends the following actions to be taken to make your pet feel at home in the space:</p>
<ul>
<li>Give pets their own space, often where their bed is, out of direct sunlight and where they can feel safe</li>
<li>Choose a versatile and durable sofa that is easy to clean. Because the only sofa a pet wants to use, is yours!</li>
<li>Think ahead if you are building. A well placed and doggy door / cat flap and planned bedding area will make everyone’s life a lot easier and it does not need to be an eyesore</li>
</ul>
<h2>3. Food and medicine</h2>
<p>Pets are inquisitive, and some are quite ingenious when it comes to tracking down tasty morsels left lying about.</p>
<h3>Store away supplies</h3>
<p>If you own a cat, the best policy is to keep all food safely stored in sealed containers. Many common food items are toxic to felines, and their ingenuity and agility means the kitchen fruit bowl is rarely out of reach.</p>
<h3>Dispose of waste</h3>
<p>Food scraps should also be kept behind closed doors and removed to outdoor garbage disposal as quickly as possible. Larger dogs in particular have the strength and intellect to potentially learn how to open a free standing bin (or just knock it over). Minimise the risk (and mess) by keeping garbage out of sight and out of mind.</p>
<h3>Safety with medicine</h3>
<p>Just like with children you want to keep prescription and over the counter medicine safety locked away in a cabinet. While many medications won&#8217;t smell particularly appetising to a cat or dog, your pets naturally curious mind could lead to disaster if they can gain access to pharmaceuticals around the home.</p>
<h2>4. Think flooring</h2>
<p>Tiles are the most pet friendly flooring you can get for your home. Ceramic tiles are resistant to craw scratches, doggie stains and just about anything your pet can throw at them. In the summer, they’re also a cool place to nap. Some other good options include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Painted concrete</li>
<li>Terrazzo</li>
<li>Brick</li>
<li>Hardwood</li>
</ul>
<p>Keep in mind that bigger dogs with large claws can scratch wood flooring, and as your pet ages you might need to get them special booties if your flooring is slippery (polished concrete or terrazzo). If you absolutely must have carpet, use low pile. <em>DIY Network</em> recommends modular carpet so individual panels can be removed in case of stain or accident.</p>
<h2>5. Lock away your keepsakes</h2>
<p>Fine china, heirlooms, fragile decorative items and anything not meant to withstand even a small knock or fall should be safely packed or locked away. Murphy’s Law applies. If you leave something out, there’s a good chance your pet could do it some damage. It’s not only the loss of personal items you need to worry about either. Broken crockery and glass can harm your pet, doubling down on the disaster.</p>
<h2>6. Blend soft furnishings to pet colour</h2>
<p>This handy little tip comes from <em>DIY Network</em>. They recommend matching anything from carpets to towels and blankets to the colour of your pet’s fur. It’s a practical choice that will help hide stray hair and also make the home a little more aesthetically pleasing.</p>
<h2>7. Create and customise from scratch</h2>
<p>There’s no limit to the way you can customise your home to make it more pet friendly, but if you’re building a new home with kit home, we can make it even easier. Dog door in the laundry? A special place under the stairs? Talk to our design team and see how we can customise your new home to suit every family member. Even the furry ones. <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/contact/">Speak to one of kit home consultants</a> to find the best way to customise your home to be pet friendly.</p>
<p>Still unsure what kind of home will suit you and your pet? <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/kit-home-right/">Take our quiz</a> to find the best home for you, or take a <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/take-3d-walk-one-kit-homes/">virtual walk-through of one of our homes</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/7-ways-make-kit-home-pet-friendly/">7 Ways To Make Your Kit Home Pet Friendly</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsWed, 03 May 2017 11:09:07 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=2776admin_adam2017-05-03T11:09:07Z10 Important Factors to Consider Before Buying Landhttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/10-important-factors-consider-buying-land/
<p>Owning your own block of land is the great Australian dream, but finding the perfect spot comes with many considerations. While navigating these waters may seem intimidating,having the guidance of a professional will give you peace of mind. We&#8217;ve partnered with several real estate agents to give you the best advice when buying a block...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/10-important-factors-consider-buying-land/">10 Important Factors to Consider Before Buying Land</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2779" src="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-10-Important-Factors-to-Consider-Before-Buying-Land.jpg" alt="Kitome - 10 Important Factors to Consider Before Buying Land" width="100%" height="auto" srcset="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-10-Important-Factors-to-Consider-Before-Buying-Land.jpg 1200w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-10-Important-Factors-to-Consider-Before-Buying-Land-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-10-Important-Factors-to-Consider-Before-Buying-Land-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-10-Important-Factors-to-Consider-Before-Buying-Land-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-10-Important-Factors-to-Consider-Before-Buying-Land-338x225.jpg 338w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Kitome-10-Important-Factors-to-Consider-Before-Buying-Land-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
<p>Owning your own block of land is the great Australian dream, but finding the perfect spot comes with many considerations. While navigating these waters may seem intimidating,having the guidance of a professional will give you peace of mind. We&#8217;ve partnered with several real estate agents to give you the best advice when buying a block of land.</p>
<h2>Advice from real estate experts</h2>
<h3><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/agent/1518-marnie-beauchamp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="broken_link">Marnie Beauchamp</a> &#8211; McGrath Estate Agents</span></h3>
<p>My advice when looking to purchase a block of land is to look for something which has good building opportunity. If it is a sloping site you need to factor in additional excavation costs and foundation works and it would be best to choose a home design which suits a sloping block to reduce the foundation and excavation cost (i.e. split level, garage underneath etc.).</p>
<p>Also, it is wise to carry out a Geotechnical Investigation to determine the ground classification &#8211; if rock, the cost for a rock breaker to do the excavation is on an hourly rate and could result in huge amounts more before you even commence construction of your home. Alternatively, if the ground is too soft or there is a natural spring or ground water you will also be looking at additional costs for drill foundations down through this to stable ground.”</p>
<h3><a href="http://raywhiteadelaidegroup.com.au/agent/brett-pilgrim/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brett Pilgrim</a> &#8211; Ray White Adelaide Group</h3>
<p>When looking at land, it is always good to get your builder to have a look, compare it to others for a square meter rate, start by assuming the block is flat and square, then subtract from there for things like slope, trees, irregular shapes etc. This will help you determine a fair market value.</p>
<p><em>Whether it&#8217;s to set down roots or build a home away from home, here are the 10 most important things to consider when buying a new block of land.</em></p>
<h2>1. Zoning restrictions</h2>
<p>Before you purchase the block, be sure to research zoning regulations for both your property and the surrounding area. Councils have strict rules regarding what a block of land can be used for (residential, commercial, industrial). If the block next door could potentially develop into a warehouse or 5 story apartment building it might not be the best option for your quiet retreat away from home. You&#8217;ll also want to make sure there&#8217;s no plans to build a highway or other infrastructure through your land or the nearby area.</p>
<h2>2. Water source</h2>
<p>Do you know how your property connects to water sources? What about restrictions on water use, or collecting your own rain water? Water is an essential utility, so it&#8217;s important to know your obligations and options.</p>
<p>For example, in NSW the <a href="https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/planning-tools/basix">BASIX initiative</a> encourages new developments to take water saving measures with a target of reducing mains water usage by 40%. Many elect to use water tanks, however the proximity of your new home to creeks, rivers and dams can play a part in how attractive a block of land is as a potential home.</p>
<h2>3. Know the climate</h2>
<p>Yearly rainfall, temperature highs and lows, seasonal changes and even trends over the last 20 years are all factors to consider when looking to purchase land. The climate affects many aspects of your life, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>How you insulate your home</li>
<li>The types of plants and vegetables you can grow</li>
<li>Potential for drought, frost and other extreme weather conditions</li>
<li>The type of kit home appropriate for you block of land</li>
<li>How much energy you might expect to use</li>
<li>Health conditions like asthma that are affected by temperature</li>
</ul>
<p>While you might not be able to have it all, knowing the climate of the local area can help you make a more informed decision.</p>
<h2>4. Safety from bushfires and flooding</h2>
<p>Australia is a country of extremes. Depending on where your block of land is located, it could potentially be at risk to both fire and flooding. These very real dangers can be avoided by consulting resources like <a href="http://www.ga.gov.au/flood-study-web/#/search">Geoscience Australia</a>, which can help you determine flood zones as well as <a href="http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/hazards/bushfire/basics/where">bushfires</a>. State and local government councils will also have more information. Cross check occurrences over several years to get a clearer picture of how safe your new home will be from extreme acts of nature.</p>
<h2>5. Soil quality and composition</h2>
<p>Soil quality and composition impacts both how your build your new home and the potential for growing your own plants on your property.</p>
<p>When it comes to building, soil composition can impact:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cost of building foundations</li>
<li>Amount of earthworks required</li>
<li>Stability and land retention</li>
</ul>
<p>Contact a local and qualified engineer to have your soil tested before finalising your build plans.</p>
<h2>6. Orientation</h2>
<p>Orientation is one of the joys of designing your own home. By taking advantage of the ‘north facing aspect’, you can make use of available sunlight throughout the year while minimising the impact of direct sunlight and the ‘greenhouse effect’ to avoid overheating in the summer.</p>
<p>However, when buying land you’ll want to consider any existing easements, roads, driveways and the proximity of other structures both existing and potential (neighbouring land). For example, given a choice of two great views, make use of the one that isn’t going to look into a neighbour’s fence in a few years.</p>
<h2>7. Trees and bushland</h2>
<p>The position of existing trees can play a significant role in your decision to purchase a block of land. While our natural fauna is beautiful and can add shade to the backyard, it can also pose a risk in extreme weather.</p>
<p>Consider the impacts of falling branches or even whole trees on your home, particularly in storm affected areas. Removing trees is no easy task either. Fines for illegal removal of native trees can be excessive, so plan accordingly. Local councils can advise on tree removal and restriction.</p>
<h2>8. Utility access</h2>
<p>What companies can connect your gas, electrical and water? How much do they cost, and is there any competition?</p>
<p>Rates can differ depending on where your new home is located, so take the time to source information about the companies that can provide your utilities. Contact them by phone for quotes, and ask locals in the area about their satisfaction with local utilities.</p>
<h2>9. Incline of your block</h2>
<p>There’s a few things to consider if your block is located on a steep incline:</p>
<ul>
<li>Additional costs of building the home</li>
<li>Effects of weather on soil</li>
<li>Water runoff from the road if your block is below</li>
<li>The design and orientation of the home</li>
</ul>
<p>Steep properties has their benefits; like better views from more locations in the home, but this will all need to be considered carefully before finalising your purchase.</p>
<h2>10. The type of home you want to build</h2>
<p>Remember, your property should be in service to the house you want to build. Ultimately, you want a property to suit your lifestyle, and the home you want to build. <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/designs/">Browse our range of exciting designs</a> and talk to our design team about how we can help you with your dream home.</p>
<p>Still undecided what kind of home suits you? <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/kit-home-right/">Take our house selector quiz</a> to find the best home for you, or take a <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/take-3d-walk-one-kit-homes/">virtual walk-through of one of our homes</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/10-important-factors-consider-buying-land/">10 Important Factors to Consider Before Buying Land</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsWed, 03 May 2017 11:07:55 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=2775admin_adam2017-05-03T11:07:55ZHow To Decide On A Floor Plan Layouthttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/decide-floor-plan-layout/
<p>When you’re building a home from scratch, the floor plan will determine how you best use the space. It’s an element of the home that is very personal to each familial situation. Just as budget and space are key considerations when purchasing or building a home, so too is the floor plan. So here’s how...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/decide-floor-plan-layout/">How To Decide On A Floor Plan Layout</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2714" src="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-How-To-Decide-On-A-Floor-Plan-Layout-1.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="797" srcset="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-How-To-Decide-On-A-Floor-Plan-Layout-1.jpg 1200w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-How-To-Decide-On-A-Floor-Plan-Layout-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-How-To-Decide-On-A-Floor-Plan-Layout-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-How-To-Decide-On-A-Floor-Plan-Layout-1-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-How-To-Decide-On-A-Floor-Plan-Layout-1-339x225.jpg 339w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-How-To-Decide-On-A-Floor-Plan-Layout-1-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
<p>When you’re building a home from scratch, the floor plan will determine how you best use the space. It’s an element of the home that is very personal to each familial situation. Just as budget and space are key considerations when purchasing or building a home, so too is the floor plan. So here’s how you decide what you need.</p>
<h2>What kind of lifestyle do you lead?</h2>
<p>The kind of lifestyle you lead and the kind of family you have will largely dictate the type of floorplan you require. The best example of this is how you live your lives – are you outdoorsy people? Or do you prefer the creature comforts of your living room? Do you have kids, and if so, what are their ages? Will you need communal areas and a playroom or more private spaces for your teenagers?</p>
<p>If you have young children, it’s also wise to consider the safety aspects of a home. Stairs and the way they are designed, balconies and their access points and particular flooring may be a living nightmare when children are around. But remember, stairs can be gated and other elements can be temporarily blocked off so rather than putting you off completely, look at these features from the perspective of ‘can they be adapted for the time being?’.</p>
<h2>Will the layout meet your needs over time?</h2>
<p>It’s crucial that you look at the overall layout of the property. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, plus the size of the living areas. If it doesn’t suit your needs, you can always <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/inclusions/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">customise the design</a>. Choosing this over aesthetics is imperative. Don’t get swayed by beautiful hardwood floors or modern appliances.</p>
<p>However, it may be worth looking for a home that may allow you to alter the floorplan as your family grows and matures. You may move into the place with one child and be there for 15 to 20 years. Your requirements two decades later will definitely be different to those when you moved in. For example, spare bedrooms or extra spaces may be able to be converted into home offices, playrooms or a teenage retreat.</p>
<h2>Will you be adding extra features?</h2>
<p>When you’re deciding on a floor plan, the extra features can be tempting. After all, what’s a home if it doesn’t reflect the personality of the people living in it? Those features are a great way to explore what will make a house your distinctive home. Consider what kind of inclusions you want to include so you can account for them in the floor plan. Whether it be a larger tub to soak yourself in or the kind of splashback that will bear witness to your culinary feats, think ahead of time to cover everything you need. It’s also handy to think of your furniture and how the space can be decorated using your existing pieces.</p>
<h2>Don’t forget the location</h2>
<p>It’s easy to fall in love with a property. But don’t let your love affair get in the way of your surroundings. Floor plans have the potential to be modified, the location of your property does not. If you’re looking at a model home, remember the view will be different from your plot of land from each window. Remember to envisage that view before deciding where it is you want your master bedroom to go.</p>
<h2>Don’t ignore the family</h2>
<p>You may be the boss of your family but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a say in what their future home should look like. They may have some different ideas and who knows, their ideas may even work! Be open to your family’s opinion and take their opinions into consideration. Of course, if you’re <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/real-flexibility/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">designing a home from scratch</a>, you’ll be able to dictate exactly what it is you want, as long as it fits within the property lines.</p>
<p>Remember, there isn’t a perfect floorplan. What works for you now may not work for you in the future. There will always be positives and negatives. It’s up to you to prioritise what you absolutely need and what you can possibly live without.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/decide-floor-plan-layout/">How To Decide On A Floor Plan Layout</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsMon, 03 Apr 2017 06:57:43 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=2706admin_adam2017-04-03T06:57:43ZHow To Effectively Use All The Space In Your Homehttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/effectively-use-space-home/
<p>No matter how much space you have in your home, there are always more effective ways to store things. When it comes to storage, efficiency is key, so you’ll be able to grab things at the drop of a hat. Whether you have a cozy hideaway or a spacious abode, organising the space you have...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/effectively-use-space-home/">How To Effectively Use All The Space In Your Home</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2326" src="http://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kitome-How-To-Effectively-Use-All-The-Space-In-Your-Home-1.jpg" alt="kitome - How To Effectively Use All The Space In Your Home" width="100%" height="auto" />
<p>No matter how much space you have in your home, there are always more effective ways to store things. When it comes to storage, efficiency is key, so you’ll be able to grab things at the drop of a hat.</p>
<p>Whether you have a cozy hideaway or a spacious abode, organising the space you have is crucial to living a clutter-free life. This applies for every room in the house. The best way to start? Think about the rooms you use the most.</p>
<h2>The kitchen</h2>
<p>Many say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where meals are made and families tend to gravitate towards the area, so it tends to be busy and can get hectic. It’s also a room where you’ll probably accumulate a lot of stuff. No matter if you love to cook and take your time, or if you’re after an organised area where everything is reachable, storage can be a strategic element of your kitchen.</p>
<p>Before you start your organisation spree, look in each cupboard and drawer and assess what is used on a daily basis and what is used far less frequently. If you have overhead space on top of the cabinets, consider storing the less-used items up there. They’ll be out of the way and you’ll be freeing up reachable space for the things you’ll actually use.</p>
<p>There are several other things you can do to create more space.</p>
<h3>Create more cabinets</h3>
<p>While this isn’t always doable, if you can, create more cabinets. This doesn’t necessarily mean building more. You can find some excellent trolleys or carts that you can buy and put anywhere in the kitchen. These generally come with drawers, shelves or cupboards. If there are shelves, you can pop some baskets on them to organise the area even more. Plus, it gives you more bench space to work on.</p>
<h3>Use organisers</h3>
<p>Cupboards and drawers can get messy. Often there are so many utensils, pots, pans and cooking items in there that it can hard to find anything. For your drawers, there are plenty of options for organisers, whether it’s a cutlery tray or dividers. These will help categorise your utensils so you can find anything at a moment’s notice.</p>
<p>In cupboards, you can use boxes for your small goods. Or alternatively, pop in some dividers to divide the space more effectively. Boxes are also great in your pantry and your fridge, keeping the condiments and spices you use the most together so you can pull one single box out and have everything you need at your fingertips.</p>
<h3>Use wall-space</h3>
<p>Maximise the space in your cupboards by using the wall space around the kitchen. Hang your cooking utensils via hooks or magnetic strips on the wall. Or install overhead storage to hang your pots and pans, freeing up the space in the cupboards for the less attractive appliances. Alternatively, if you want everything packed away, remember, the cupboard doors can be a fantastic spot to store things. Use brackets to store lids or even magazine holders for things like cling-wrap, foil and baking paper.</p>
<h2>The bathroom</h2>
<p>There are loads of things to store in a bathroom including toilet paper, appliances, and spare toiletries and other products. The tough thing is that many bathrooms don’t actually have enough storage.</p>
<p>First things first, assess who uses which bathroom in the house and what it’s mainly used for. If you have a separate space to the kids, great. If not, you can use some open shelving and fun baskets under the sink to separate the products and appliances according to who uses them. There are also suction options for cups, toothbrush holders and towels that you can pop on the mirror or the walls, clearing the vanity top.</p>
<p>If you need even more storage and you have the space, consider purchasing a trolley or drawer tower. Just remember, the floor will get wet so make sure that these options are either waterproof or are raised off the ground on legs.</p>
<h2>The living spaces</h2>
<p>The living is mostly done in the family room, and this area tends to get the messiest the quickest. It’s amazing how much stuff you actually accumulate over time. What makes it harder is that the family room is the space likely to see the most visitors, so it’s the one you really want to keep tidy.</p>
<p>The best way to organise a space like this is by using storage hacks. Those ottomans you prop your feet on, make them a storage solution. The coffee table you’re thinking of purchasing, find one with drawers or shelving so you can put things away and the surface is clear.</p>
<h2>The bedrooms</h2>
<p>The best way to maximise space in the bedroom is making sure the cupboards and any chest of drawers are well-organised and used effectively. Use the space at the top of the cupboards for things you don’t use regularly. If you have some fancy china or good glasses, pop them up there. Heels you only wear occasionally? That’s their home. Also, invest in some closet organisers, including shoes, jewellery and accessories, so the space can be kept clean and neat.</p>
<p>It may also be worth considering the space under your bed. In this situation though, it’s best to invest in some plastic tubs so things don’t get dusty.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/effectively-use-space-home/">How To Effectively Use All The Space In Your Home</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsMon, 20 Mar 2017 07:23:28 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=2705admin_adam2017-03-20T07:23:28ZTake A 3D Walk-Through of One of Our Kit Homeshttps://www.kitome.com.au/blog/take-3d-walk-one-kit-homes/
<p>First impressions are key when choosing a new home. While photographs and floor plans can be insightful, that extra element of knowing what kind of home you’re stepping into is essential when finding a new home. Crossing over a threshold to experience a home in detail is what you need. If you can’t make it to...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/take-3d-walk-one-kit-homes/">Take A 3D Walk-Through of One of Our Kit Homes</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2759" src="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Brookland-1-1.jpg" alt="3D walkthrough" width="1170" height="675" srcset="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Brookland-1-1.jpg 1170w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Brookland-1-1-300x173.jpg 300w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Brookland-1-1-768x443.jpg 768w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Brookland-1-1-1024x591.jpg 1024w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Brookland-1-1-390x225.jpg 390w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Brookland-1-1-400x231.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px" />
<p><span style="display: none;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2744" src="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/3D-Walk-Through-1.jpg" alt="" width="676" height="492" srcset="https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/3D-Walk-Through-1.jpg 676w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/3D-Walk-Through-1-300x218.jpg 300w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/3D-Walk-Through-1-309x225.jpg 309w, https://www.kitome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/3D-Walk-Through-1-400x291.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></span><br />
First impressions are key when choosing a new home. While photographs and floor plans can be insightful, that extra element of knowing what kind of home you’re stepping into is essential when finding a new home. Crossing over a threshold to experience a home in detail is what you need. If you can’t make it to a display home in person, use the interactive 3D model below to explore one of Kitome’s <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/real-flexibility/" target="_blank">customisable house designs</a>. If you&#8217;re using your mobile, use Google Cardboard or Samsung Gear VR to view the house in virtual reality.</p>
<div class="s3d-virtual-tour" style="width: 100%; height: 540px;"><iframe class="s3d-virtual-tour__iframe" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;" src="https://www.scann3d.com.au/view/v2/kitome/kitome-brookland-44-modified?m=Swi8rxyhgY1" width="100%" height="540px" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><br />
</iframe></div>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Like what you see? This interactive walkthrough of our <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/designs/prestige-series/brookland-2/" target="_blank">Brookland 44 design</a> is just a taste of the dream homes Kitome can provide. We have an <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/designs/" target="_blank">extensive range of designs</a> to choose from, all of which are <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/inclusions/" target="_blank">completely customisable</a>. Browse through our selection today and <a href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/kit-home-right/" target="_blank">find the home that is meant for you</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au/blog/take-3d-walk-one-kit-homes/">Take A 3D Walk-Through of One of Our Kit Homes</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.kitome.com.au">Kitome</a>.</p>NewsTue, 14 Mar 2017 06:14:52 GMThttps://www.kitome.com.au/?p=2678admin_adam2017-03-14T06:14:52ZLandscaping For Protection & Privacyhttp://www.frador.com/landscaping-protection-privacy/
http://www.frador.com/landscaping-protection-privacy/feed/0<p>There are more than 2.5 million home intrusions reported every year in the United States. The protection and privacy of your family and possessions are priceless and it sometimes isn’t recognized until it is too [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/landscaping-protection-privacy/">Landscaping For Protection &#038; Privacy</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p><p>There are more than 2.5 million home intrusions reported every year in the United States. The protection and privacy of your family and possessions are priceless and it sometimes isn’t recognized until it is too late. Prepare your home ahead of time with safety features in and around your living space.</p>
<p><span id="more-1146"></span></p>
<p>One of the best ways to do this is by designing your landscaping with safety in mind. To get you started, here are some ways to landscape for privacy and protection.</p>
<h3>Build a Fence</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1135" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/fence-1838771_1920.jpg" alt="build a fense" width="396" height="264" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/fence-1838771_1920.jpg 1920w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/fence-1838771_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/fence-1838771_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/fence-1838771_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px" /></p>
<p>Fence in your backyard for the ultimate privacy. Backyards are a great place to hang out, but you don’t need people watching you while you do so. It will also protect your home from intruders because it leaves fewer entrances for them to get in.</p>
<h3>Plant Rose Bushes</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1136" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/roses-1373441_1280.jpg" alt="rose bush" width="405" height="270" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/roses-1373441_1280.jpg 1280w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/roses-1373441_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/roses-1373441_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/roses-1373441_1280-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 405px) 100vw, 405px" /></p>
<p>Rose bushes are great for protecting areas outside of your home that you don’t want people lurking around. Think about low windows or sheds that could be broken into. The roses will scratch and poke the intruder.</p>
<h3>Hang Wind Chimes</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1137" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/color-1405478_1920.jpg" alt="windchimes" width="403" height="268" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/color-1405478_1920.jpg 1920w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/color-1405478_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/color-1405478_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/color-1405478_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px" /></p>
<p>Wind chimes can be placed strategically so that when they move it will not only alert you of the intruder if you are nearby but also will spook them.</p>
<h3>Lots of Rocks</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1138" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/stones-167089_1920.jpg" alt="stones-167089_1920" width="407" height="271" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/stones-167089_1920.jpg 1920w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/stones-167089_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/stones-167089_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/stones-167089_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 407px) 100vw, 407px" /></p>
<p>Small rocks are loud when you walk through them, so lining the exterior of your home with rocks is a great idea. You can also put the rocks around plants for extra protection.</p>
<h3>Trim Down Plants, Bushes, and Trees</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1139" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/tree-100589_1920.jpg" alt="tree-100589_1920" width="408" height="272" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/tree-100589_1920.jpg 1920w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/tree-100589_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/tree-100589_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/tree-100589_1920-1024x682.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px" /></p>
<p>Keep your plants, bushes, and trees well trimmed so that you are not an easy target. If they are overgrown, they create a great hiding spot for intruders. Place the foliage strategically so that they give you privacy but also allow your neighbors to see if someone is snooping.</p>
<h3>Add Boulders</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1140" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/rock-403773_1920.jpg" alt="rock-403773_1920" width="421" height="316" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/rock-403773_1920.jpg 1920w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/rock-403773_1920-300x225.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/rock-403773_1920-768x576.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/rock-403773_1920-1024x768.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px" /></p>
<p>Boulders add natural decor and are great barriers. Placing a few in your yard as accents could trip an intruder that is walking in the dark. Another option is to make a wall out of them that makes it hard for people to go in that direction.</p>
<h3>Make A Pathway</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1141" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-path-1979619_1920.jpg" alt="garden-path-1979619_1920" width="428" height="285" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-path-1979619_1920.jpg 1920w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-path-1979619_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-path-1979619_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-path-1979619_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 428px) 100vw, 428px" /></p>
<p>Make a pathway to your front door that is lined with rocks, plants, or bushes so that it is difficult to enter any other way.</p>
<h3>Install a Fountain</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1142" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-1418103_1920.jpg" alt="fountain" width="434" height="289" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-1418103_1920.jpg 1920w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-1418103_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-1418103_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/garden-1418103_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px" /></p>
<p>Installing a fountain in the area where you hang out will mask your outside conversations from neighbors. That way you can talk about whatever you have on your mind without it echoing to their home.</p>
<h3>Lighting is Key</h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1143" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Landscaping-Lights.jpg" alt="landscaping lights" width="434" height="282" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Landscaping-Lights.jpg 1752w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Landscaping-Lights-300x195.jpg 300w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Landscaping-Lights-768x500.jpg 768w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Landscaping-Lights-1024x666.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px" /></p>
<p>Install small lights around the landscaping in your home. Whether they are in the plants lining your walkway or facing up to illuminate your tree, they will be key to your safety. Lights scare away potential threats because there is a better chance of them getting caught.</p>
<h3>In addition to landscaping your yard to prevent intruders, you should also consider</h3>
<ul>
<li>Keeping curtains shut so that people cannot see your belongings or daily habits</li>
<li>Lock doors and shut garage doors at all times, even when indoors</li>
<li>Have a timer set so that outdoor lights go on every night</li>
<li>Turn on security system every night and when nobody is home</li>
<li>Get mail every day so that people cannot get your information from letters</li>
<li>Have a cabana or privacy around hot tubs and pools</li>
<li>Park expensive toys in the garage or shed (lawn mower, bike, motorcycle, etc.)</li>
<li>Don’t leave boxes for recent expensive purchases sitting near the recycling</li>
<li>Leave a light on indoors to make it look like someone is awake</li>
<li>Do not mention leaving town on social media</li>
<li>Keep your shed padlocked</li>
</ul>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/landscaping-protection-privacy/">Landscaping For Protection &#038; Privacy</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p>Landscape TipsMon, 06 Mar 2017 16:03:07 GMThttp://www.frador.com/landscaping-protection-privacy/#respondhttp://www.frador.com/?p=1146Fra-Dor2017-03-06T16:03:07Z19 Ways To Avoid Being The Neighborhood Eyesorehttp://www.frador.com/19-ways-avoid-neighborhood-eyesore/
http://www.frador.com/19-ways-avoid-neighborhood-eyesore/feed/0<p>Don&#8217;t let your home be the neighborhood eyesore! Making simple changes to your landscape will add curb appeal to your house. If you are selling your home, this is especially important. Curb appeal immediately increases [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/19-ways-avoid-neighborhood-eyesore/">19 Ways To Avoid Being The Neighborhood Eyesore</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p><p>Don&#8217;t let your home be the neighborhood eyesore! Making simple changes to your landscape will add curb appeal to your house. If you are selling your home, this is especially important. Curb appeal immediately increases the value of your property. What could be a better investment?</p>
<h1><span id="more-1045"></span><strong>What is curb appeal?</strong></h1>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1049" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/45169186_s.jpg" alt="45169186 - front exterior of luxury home in evening" width="450" height="321" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/45169186_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/45169186_s-300x214.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p>
<p>Curb appeal is the attractiveness of an exterior of a home. It is so important because it is the first impression a visitor will get and possibly the last if they don’t make it inside.</p>
<p>Imagine having a potential buyer of your home come to look at it and turning away before they reach the front door. That expensive kitchen remodel that you just had done no longer matters because it was not even shown.</p>
<p>If this is your forever home, you want to have a place that you can show off to your friends and family.</p>
<h1><strong>19 Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal</strong></h1>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1. Drive by at different times of the day and take note of anything that is not presentable</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1056" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/couple-1762473_640.jpg" alt="couple-1762473_640" width="460" height="259" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/couple-1762473_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/couple-1762473_640-300x169.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /></p>
<p>Homes can look different at different times of the day. Take note of what looks good and what does not and make an effort to fix the things that aren’t up to standard.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2. House numbers</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1055" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/address-1192852_640.jpg" alt="address-1192852_640" width="454" height="218" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/address-1192852_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/address-1192852_640-300x144.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px" /></p>
<p>Replace or renew your house numbers. Having visible house numbers that stick out add a lot to a home. Placement, color, size, and type are all key here. It is a good idea to put a light above your house number so that it illuminates at night.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3. Clean the gutters, roof, and siding or replace them if necessary</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1057" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/44174154_s.jpg" alt="44174154 - roof cleaning with high pressure" width="450" height="300" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/44174154_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/44174154_s-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p>
<p>Having a clean exterior is one of the top ways to add home value. It can make old material look brand new.</p>
<p>First, get the leaves and gunk out of the gutters. Then wash the roof and siding. Each type of siding has specifications on how it can be washed so do research beforehand to avoid damaging the surface. After cleaning, take a good look at the results. Holes, loose sections, or stains are signs that it might be time to get it replaced.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4. Plants and trees</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1058" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/painting-1791924_640.jpg" alt="painting-1791924_640" width="454" height="302" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/painting-1791924_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/painting-1791924_640-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px" /></p>
<p>Adding plants is one of the easier and most rewarding fixes for curb appeal. Get creative and pick flowers that accent your home exterior well. Check with your local florist to see what plants grow best in your climate. Put them in window boxes, pots, around your trees, or up your walkway.</p>
<p>Trees are also a great addition because they block sunlight and increase the efficiency of your home. Do plenty of research before planting a tree to see how tall it gets, the climate it needs, and upkeep that you will need to comply with. Coniferous trees are great for privacy, deciduous trees have beautiful leaves that fall, and shrubs provide a great food source for wildlife.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/2008/11/recommended-trees-for-minnesota-by-region/">Check out this great article to see which trees grow best in Minnesota</a>.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5. Add mulch or rocks around the plants</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1059" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/13535157_s.jpg" alt="13535157 - man spreading cypress mulch in a flower garden to conserve moisture" width="450" height="289" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/13535157_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/13535157_s-300x193.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p>
<p>Mulch and rock make plants pop because they create contrast. <a href="http://www.frador.com/product-category/frador/">Fra-Dor</a> has a great selection of these materials, take a look on the website for pictures!</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6. Seasonal decorations</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1060" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/christmas-581090_640.jpg" alt="christmas-581090_640" width="440" height="310" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/christmas-581090_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/christmas-581090_640-300x211.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" /></p>
<p>Small seasonal decorations like pumpkins or lights make your home feel more welcoming. Be sure to be time sensitive; keeping them displayed after the season is seen as unkempt.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">7. Make a pathway</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1061" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/garden-54366_640.jpg" alt="garden-54366_640" width="445" height="296" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/garden-54366_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/garden-54366_640-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px" /></p>
<p>If you don’t already have one, make a pathway going up to your front door. Big stepping stones or concrete work well for this.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">8. Keep up on your lawn</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1062" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/lawn-mower-938555_640.jpg" alt="lawn-mower-938555_640" width="640" height="277" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/lawn-mower-938555_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/lawn-mower-938555_640-300x130.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></p>
<p>Water and mow your lawn so that it is at its prime. If there are spots where the grass is dead, add fertilizer or plant new seed.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">9. Paint</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1064" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/12433527_s.jpg" alt="12433527 - hand with paintbrush painting a door white" width="450" height="330" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/12433527_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/12433527_s-300x220.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p>
<p>The door, fence, front porch, shutters, etc. can all be painted. Sand down the existing paint and then get creative. Having a front door that pops is popular right now!</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">10. Shape trees and shrubs</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1065" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/landscape-gardener-409148_640.jpg" alt="landscape-gardener-409148_640" width="475" height="316" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/landscape-gardener-409148_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/landscape-gardener-409148_640-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px" /></p>
<p>Get out your pruning scissors and shape your plants. Overgrown trees or shrubs can hide the beauty of your home.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">11. Replace old hardware</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1066" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hinge-506993_640.jpg" alt="hinge-506993_640" width="477" height="358" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hinge-506993_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hinge-506993_640-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px" /></p>
<p>Adding a new door handle or hinges can be an overlooked feature. If you already have hardware in good condition but want to upgrade it, spray paint works great!</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">12. Outdoor lighting</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class=" wp-image-1067" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/56095762_s.jpg" alt="56095762 - luxury home exterior with green grass and driveway at sunset" width="484" height="353" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/56095762_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/56095762_s-300x219.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 484px) 100vw, 484px" /></p>
<p>If you do not have outdoor lighting, now is the time to add some! Your plants, walkway, or garage are all great spots. Lights are essential for safety and curb appeal. If you already have lights, make sure they are in working condition, clean, and turned on at night.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">13. Repair the driveway</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1068" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/florida-home-1689857_640.jpg" alt="florida-home-1689857_640" width="484" height="334" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/florida-home-1689857_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/florida-home-1689857_640-300x207.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 484px) 100vw, 484px" /></p>
<p>Cleaning the driveway is a great start. But if it is not in good condition, consider getting it refinished.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">14. Upgrade the mailbox</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1069" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/mailbox-959299_640.jpg" alt="mailbox-959299_640" width="491" height="327" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/mailbox-959299_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/mailbox-959299_640-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px" /></p>
<p>Upgrade your current mailbox by painting it, planting flowers around it, or cleaning it. If this doesn’t quite fix the problem, a new one could be your best option!</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">15. Clean Your Windows</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class=" wp-image-1070" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/43885224_s.jpg" alt="43885224 - close up of woman cleaning window glass with steam" width="498" height="340" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/43885224_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/43885224_s-300x205.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px" /></p>
<p>Use the pressure washer, gentle soap, and a squeegee to leave the windows spotless and streak free. We recommend a ladder and a partner for safety.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">16. Hide Your Hose, Air Conditioner, and Electrical Boxes</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1071" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fa3c32d7d34c14e2d7329702b51a20da.jpg" alt="fa3c32d7d34c14e2d7329702b51a20da" width="435" height="578" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fa3c32d7d34c14e2d7329702b51a20da.jpg 564w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fa3c32d7d34c14e2d7329702b51a20da-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 435px) 100vw, 435px" /></p>
<p>Hang your hose or put it in a box to hide away the eyesore. Also, add a fence around your air conditioner and camouflage your electrical boxes. Paint them the same color as your home to make them blend in.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">17. Get Rid of Weeds</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1072" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/weedkiller.jpg" alt="weedkiller" width="485" height="274" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/weedkiller.jpg 644w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/weedkiller-300x170.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px" /></p>
<p>Pull your weeds out by the root to make sure that they don’t grow back. Spray areas with weed killer that are prone to growth like between bricks to keep crisp lines.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">18. Porch Furniture</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class=" wp-image-1073" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/41010306_s.jpg" alt="41010306 - comfortable outdoor living area on a brick patio with a deep seating settee and cushions flanked by red ceramic pedestal table and flowerpot with spring flowers and a straw sunhat" width="489" height="326" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/41010306_s.jpg 450w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/41010306_s-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 489px) 100vw, 489px" /></p>
<p>You don’t want to clutter your front porch, but if you have a large area, consider adding a rocking chair or bench.</p>
<h3><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">19. Add a Fun Welcome Mat</span></strong></h3>
<p><img class="alignnone wp-image-1074" src="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/home-1439966_640.jpg" alt="home-1439966_640" width="493" height="370" srcset="http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/home-1439966_640.jpg 640w, http://www.frador.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/home-1439966_640-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px" /></p>
<p>This is a cheap way to add character. Add a welcome mat to serve it’s title and welcome people into your home!</p>
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<p>These simple changes will make a big difference in your curb appeal. Don’t let a few days of work keep you from getting a return on your investment.</p>
<p><strong>If you are in need of landscape supplies in the Twin Cities area, check out Fra-Dor’s website to place an order! <a href="http://www.frador.com/">http://www.frador.com/</a></strong></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com/19-ways-avoid-neighborhood-eyesore/">19 Ways To Avoid Being The Neighborhood Eyesore</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frador.com">Frador</a>.</p>Landscape TipsWed, 09 Nov 2016 16:55:22 GMThttp://www.frador.com/19-ways-avoid-neighborhood-eyesore/#respondhttp://www.frador.com/?p=1045Fra-Dor2016-11-09T16:55:22Z